In the last month of gestation, the mother’s body pumps at least 300 quarts of blood each day through the umbilical cord to the baby inside the placenta.

Scientists had thought the placenta is able to filter most undesirable substances in the environment except residues of cigarette and alcohol.

Not any more. It is now known many industrial chemicals, pollutants and pesticides can cross the placenta easily.

In the US, a study by the Environmental Working Group and Commonwealth found an average of 200 industrial chemicals and pollutants in the umbilical cord blood of 10 babies. The cord blood was collected by the Red Cross.

In the blood were pesticides, consumer product ingredients, and wastes from burning coal, petrol and garbage. (See list below).

This toxic cocktail can hurt the child in many ways, from retarding brain development to cancer. The effect can take years to show. In China, millions of children born in vastly more polluted environment than the U.S. carry in their bodies the seed for future illness. Many are likely to die of various forms of cancer. Their treatment will cost the state untold billions.

 

Toxins Found in the Cord Blood and their Effect on the Body

MERCURY

Sources: Coal-fired power plants, Industrial processes and functions, Accumulates in seafood

Effects: Retards brain development

 

POLYAROMATIC HYDROCARBONS (PAHS)

Sources: Burning gasoline & garbage, Accumulates in food chain

Effects: Linked to cancer

 

POLYBROINATED DIBENZODIOXINS & FURANS (PBDD/F)

Sources: Contaminants in flame retardants, Plastic production & incineration, Accumulates in food chain

Effects: Toxic to developing endocrine (hormone) system

 

PERFLUORINATED CHEMICALS (PFCs)

Sources: Teflon, Scotchgard, fabric & carpet, protectors, food wrap coatings; Accumulates in the environment & food chain

Effects: Linked to cancer & birth defects

 

 

POLYCHLORINATED DIBENZODIOXINS & FURANS (PBCD/F)

Sources: PVC production, industrial bleaching & incineration

Effects: Very toxic to developing endocrine (hormone) system, Persists for decade in the environment

 

 

ORGANOCHLORINE PESTICIDES (OCs)

Sources: DDT, chlordane & other pesticides; Largely banned in US but found in breast milk of HK and China mothers; Accumulates up the food chain to human beings

Effects: Causes cancer and numerous reproductive effects

 

 

POLYBROMINATED DIPHENYL ETHERS (PBDEs)

Sources: Flame retardant in furniture foam, computers & televisions; Accumulates in food chain & human tissues

Effects: Adversely affects brain development & the thyroid.

 

PLYCHLORINATED NAPTHALENES (PCNs)

Sources: Wood preservatives, varnishes, machine lubricating oils, waste incineration

Effects: Liver & kidney damages