232 toxic chemicals found in 10 newborns

A new study reveals BPA in nine of 10 randomly selected umbilical cord blood samples.

Wed, Dec 02 2009 at 2:15 PM EST

6 Comments

Photo: ADD Photography/Flickr

It’s no surprise to most MNN readers that the vast majority of American adults have BPA (bisphenol A) and other worrisome chemicals in their bodies. That’s what happens, after all, when you grow up in a chemical world. But a new study proves that our chemical romance actually begins in the womb, before we’re even born.

A two-year study, commissioned by eco-nonprofit Environmental Working Group (EWG) and Rachel’s Network, studied the umbilical cord blood of 10 American babies of African-American, Asian, and Hispanic heritage born between 2007 and 2008 — to find 232 toxic chemicals. According to Alex Formuzis, EWG’s director of communications:

Among the substances newly discovered, in addition to BPA, included a toxic flame retardant chemical (tetrabromobisphenol A) designed for computer circuit boards, chemicals used in synthetic fragrances (galaxolide and tonalide) for common cosmetics and detergents, and a member of the notorious Teflon chemical family (perfluorobutanoic acid) that helps make non-stick, and grease, stain and water-resistant coatings for a number of everyday consumer products.

In fact, BPA — an estrogen-like chemical found in many products and one that’s linked to early puberty, childhood obesity, breast cancer and neurological and behavioral changes — was found in nine of the 10 babies. Concludes the study:

The chemicals found in these children are some of the most problematic compounds ever put into commerce. Their presence in fetal cord blood represents a significant failure on the part of the Congress and government agencies charged with protecting human health.

EWG is taking these findings to a full Senate Environmental and Public Works Committee and Subcommittee on Superfund, Toxics and Environmental Health joint hearing today to demand tougher oversight and regulations. Among other recommendations, EWG is asking that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention “initiate a comprehensive cord blood-testing program,” with the costs of the program borne by the industry that made these chemicals in the first place.

What can you do about this news? If you’re pregnant, read EWG’s 10 Healthy Pregnancy Tips to avoid the dangerous chemicals as much as possible. In addition, follow MNN’s tips for avoiding BPA.

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Don't forget about the air they breathe

Posted By Alan Aimer - Fri, Dec 04 2009 at 8:54 AM EST

Multifresh Natural Deodorizer at http://www.multifreshnaturaldeodorizer.com

First things first. I am the distributor for this product. That being said, it is one of the most amazing products you will ever see. It is a box (recycled) of a volcanic material called ignimbrite. One point about air fresheners, Your air freshener may be putting formaldehyde in the air.

This is a lie: MultiFresh doesn't use chemicals.

Posted By Antonio - Mon, Dec 07 2009 at 11:24 AM EST

Anything that you can touch, see, or weigh consists of chemicals. The description about ions is naive and incorrect.

MultiFresh doesn't use chemicals

Posted By Alan Aimer - Tue, Dec 08 2009 at 10:04 PM EST

Rather than having a semantic debate let me forward this link. http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080723134438.htm.

MultiFresh is a negatively charged mineral that does contain and emit cancer causing agents. In the USA, the manufacturers are not required to inform the consumer about these things.

Correction: MultiFresh doesn't use chemicals

Posted By Alan Aimer - Tue, Dec 08 2009 at 10:09 PM EST

MultiFresh doesn't use chemicals to mask or cover up odors. MultiFresh is a negatively charged mineral that does NOT contain and emit cancer causing agents. In the USA, the manufacturers are not required to inform the consumer about these things.
But rather than having a semantic debate let me forward this link. .... More

Common trend? Don't know!

Posted By Gil Friend - Thu, Dec 03 2009 at 9:55 PM EST

Insane, yes. But why is the sample so small? Only 10 babies - can you generalize for that? (Not clear why it took two years to test umbilical blood from 10 babies.)

I'm not naysaying -- I

You bring up an excellent point

Posted By Siel Ju - Fri, Dec 04 2009 at 12:37 AM EST

In fact, EWG is the first to say in its materials (the FAQ has a quick answer addressing this very Q) that because the sample is so small, big conclusions about the general population can't be drawn. We're really only getting a very small view into what appears to be a much bigger problem.

This is the very reason that the enviro nonprofit's calling on the CDC to do a comprehensive study, funded by the chemical companies producing these worrisome toxic materials. I'm sure that you'd.... More

232 toxic chemicals found in 10 newborns