With all the recent news and studies about phthalates, and the attention given to them by the EPA and FDA, we can sometimes forget that phthalates are just one type of dangerous chemical to which we’re exposed. In fact, we’re exposed to thousands of potentially harmful chemicals every day – and hundreds are showing up in newborns.
Hundreds? That’s right. A study conducted by the Environmental Working Group tested umbilical cord blood samples from newborns and found 287 chemicals. (This study isn’t new, but it’s still very relevant.)
Are the chemicals the study found dangerous? Well …
• 180 cause cancer in humans or animals
• 217 are toxic to the brain and nervous system
• 208 cause birth defects or abnormal development in animal tests
It is any surprise that autism, ADD and ADHD, childhood obesity, eczema and other conditions are ever-increasing – some at epidemic rates?
For example, here are the annual growth statistics for autism from 1992 to 2008.
To make matters worse, the exposure continues for most children from the minute they’re born: Cribs made with toxic glues and solvents; crib mattresses that contain chemical fire retardants, PVC/vinyl, phthalates and polyurethane foam (protect your child with our organic crib mattresses); food grown with pesticides, antibiotics and synthetic hormones then loaded with preservatives; polyester clothing and bed linens infused with formaldehyde to make them ‘easy care’ – the list goes on and on.
Check out the study, Body Burden — The Pollution in Newborns, for more information on exactly what chemicals were found, how they may have entered umbilical cord blood, and so on.
There are a lot of things you can do it prevent this from happening to your baby, and to you! Start by getting rid of potentially hazardous chemicals in your own home and body. You can find out more about how to do this in our blog post Going Green in 2010 – A Few Simple Things With A Big Impact.
And don’t forget to protect your child with Naturepedic crib mattresses and other products. We started Naturepedic to protect our own family, now we’re helping you protect yours.
