More Than 200 Chemicals Found in Cord Blood

December 2, 2009 by Cathy Ribble
Filed under: News

A new cord blood report released by the Environmental Working Group is adding fuel to the fire, finding that babies could be exposed to more than 100 chemicals before they are even born.

Cord blood is the blood remaining in the placenta and umbilical cord after birth. EWG studied the cord blood of ten minority newborns from five different states at a cost of $10,000 per baby.

The babies were tested for over 300 chemicals. They studied the same chemical toxins previously reviewed in 2005, but added Bisphenol A (BPA) and Percholorate. Most previous studies have also reviewed one or two specific chemicals.

BPA is an ingredient in plastics and coatings which have been linked to cancer and a host of health problems. Even though its use has been sanctioned by the Food and Drug Administration as safe, it continues to be a hot topic for discussion.

Perchlorate is a rocket fuel component and alleged to be a potent thyroid toxin that disrupts production of hormones essential for normal brain development.

Results of the study included the following:

9 out of 10 samples found the presence of BPA.
The toxic flame retardant chemical called Tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA) was found for the first time. This chemical permeates computer circuit boards, synthetic fragrances, and common cosmetics and detergents.
A member of the Teflon chemical family was also detected. Perfluorobutanoic acid (PFBA or C4) is used to make non-stick and grease-resistant, stain-resistant and water-resistant coatings for cookware, textiles, food packaging and other products.
A total of 232 different chemicals were found in the cord blood from these ten babies.

These results certainly make a case for “going green,” if your family has not already made that move. It also makes a case for modifications in current legislation concerning the use of chemicals.

“Chemicals are put in the marketplace without definitive safety testing. They have to be proven to be unsafe once they’re on the market. During that period of time millions of people are exposed.” Dr. Anila Jacob, EWG’s senior scientist and co-author of the report, thinks that process is backwards.

“There is no way to shop yourself out of this 100%. That’s why we need good strong federal legislation. But there are some individual actions they can take to decrease the exposure. When Mom is pregnant she can decrease the use of canned foods, she can not microwave in plastic. Once she has her baby she can use a BPA-free baby bottle.”

Dr. Jacob also advises, “Breastfeeding is best but if you’re using formula, we recommend powder versus liquid canned infant formula. She (Mom) should check with her pediatrician.”