A growing number of studies are finding hundreds of toxic chemicals in mothers' that end up in their babies' bodies when they are born. Ken Cook, president of the Environmental Working Group (EWG), said, "We've measured hundreds and hundreds of toxic chemicals in the blood of babies that are still in the womb. Flame retardants, the chemicals in consumer products like personal care products, makeup, shampoos. It's a very long list." The EWG found an average of 232 chemicals in the cord blood of 10 babies born late last year. These are chemicals found in common household products such as shampoos, conditioners, cosmetics, plastics, shower curtains, mattresses and electronics. "For 80 percent of the common chemicals in everyday use in this country we know almost nothing about whether or not they can damage the brains of children, the immune system, the reproductive system, and the other developing organs," said Phil Landrigan, a pediatrician and director of the Children's Environmental Health Center at Mount Sinai School of Medicine. A study recently published in the journal Pediatrics demonstrates an association between the chemicals in babies' cord blood, and later problems on IQ tests and development. "Fifteen percent of children [in our study] have at least one developmental problem," said Perera, one of the authors on the study. The amount of chemicals measured in the cord blood of the babies seems to matter. The higher the concentration, the more the IQ among children seems to dip. The study is being conducted among pregnant women in Poland and China, and finding similar results.Tests of cord blood show newborns have already been exposed to more than 200 potentially hazardous chemicals in the womb. Here is a list of those types of chemicals.
- Bisphenol A- An ingredient in plastic bottles and epoxy resins and can be found in thousands of products including water bottles, baby bottles, food can linings, dental sealants. Causes problems with reproductive development, behavioral problems, obesity, diabetes and cancer.
- Perfluorochemicals- Found in the non-stick coatings of cookware. Also used for grease and stain protection for carpets and furniture. Exposure is linked to low birth weight, and possibly cancer.
- PBDEs (Polybrominated diphenyl ethers)- Used as flame retardants in televisions and electronics, as well as in older furniture foams and mattresses. May affect cognitive abilities and behavior when it contaminates house dust.
- PCBs (Polychlorinated biphenyls)- Although they have been banned since 1976, the chemical can leach out of landfills and eventually get into the food supply. Exposure is liked to cancer, behavioral problems, damage to the nervous system, immune system and chemical signaling system.
- Dioxins (chlorinated dioxins and ethylmercury)- Originate from emission from power plants and other industries. Dioxins can cause cancer and mercury can damage the nervous system development and stunt intellect.
- Methymercury- Found in contaminated fish and seafood. It is linked to cancer and lower motor function, attention and verbal skills in children.
Although exposure to toxins is unavoidable, the best thing you can do is limit your exposure.
- Use natural cleaning products and skin care products to limit the amount of toxins in your home.
- Use water filters for your drinking water and shower.
- Use glass cookware and stainless steel instead of non-stick. Do not reheat your food in plastic containers.
- Make sure the seafood you buy is wild and not farm-raised.
- If you cannot buy all organic products, the most important is to buy your meats and dairy products organic.
- Avoid processed food as much possible. Remember, processed food is just that, PROCESSED. Chemicals are used to preserve the food and give it a longer shelf-life.
Here are some helpful links to get you started:
