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Study: Newborn Babies in U.S. Carrying Hundreds of Dangerous Chemicals in Their Bodies

A new study has found that infants born in the U.s. carry hundreds of chemicals in their bodies, up to 200 dangerous chemicals, according to a report released today by an environmental group.

The Environmental Working Group‘s study commissioned five laboratories to examine the umbilical cord blood of 10 babies of African-American, Hispanic and Asian heritage and found more than 200 chemicals in each newborn.

“We know the developing fetus is one of the most vulnerable populations, if not the most vulnerable, to environmental exposure,” said Anila Jacobs, EWG senior scientist. “Their organ systems aren’t mature and their detox methods are not in place, so cord blood gives us a good picture of exposure during this most vulnerable time of life.”

Of particular concern to Jacobs: 21 newly detected contaminants, including the controversial plastics additive bisphenol A, or BPA, which mimics estrogen and has been shown to cause developmental problems and precancerous growth in animals. Last month, researchers reported that male Chinese factory workers exposed to high levels of the chemical experienced erectile dysfunction and other sexual problems.

BPA is a really important finding because people are really aware about its potential toxicity,” Jacobs told reporters. “This is the first study to find BPA in umbilical cord blood, and it correlates with national data on it.”

Jacobs said the study focused on minority children to show that chemical exposure is ubiquitous, building on 2005 research on cord blood from 10 anonymous babies. That study found a similar body burden among the babies. This is the first study to look at chemicals in minority newborns.

And there’s a wonder why cancer among Americans are skyrocketing at an unprecedented and alarming rate in history?

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About Steven Peters

Steven Peters is a published writer, journalist, health advocate, Founder and Chief Editor of Natural Revolution website. His passion in health, environmentalism, social justice and advocating for food freedom, led him into creating Natural Revolution to empower people with solutions for a healthy mind, body, home and planet.
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