Originally published October 3 2005
Study finds newborns are now at greater risk of chemical exposure
by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, NaturalNews Editor
Greenpeace has released a report based on tests compiled from 27 newborns and 42 new mothers that demonstrates unexpected level of chemicals in the newborns' umbilical blood samples; chemicals that are found in cleaning agents, perfume and other products.
Tests of umbilical cord blood shows many chemicals, ranging from those used to make plastics and artificial musks, are present.
WWF-UK and Greenpeace who produced the report want to see regulations to ban such substances in every day products.
But health experts said pregnant women should not be alarmed by the findings.
They said there was no clear evidence that the chemicals were causing damage to unborn children.
For the report, tests were carried out on blood samples from the umbilical cords of 27 newborn babies and 42 new mothers.
The samples were tested for eight groups of chemicals, including those found in cleaning products and non-stick and waterproof coatings.
Some of the umbilical cord blood samples contained as many as 14, and two of the mothers tested positive for 17 of the chemicals.
Helen Perivier, Toxics Campaigner for Greenpeace International said: "It is shocking that such chemicals are in the human body at any stage of our life, let alone at the very start, when the child is most vulnerable."
Mr Lee said it was vital for the health of future generations that this legislation was effective and called for a wider ban on potentially toxic chemicals.
WWF said "safer alternatives" existed and should be substituted.
Professor Andrew Shennan, consultant obstetrician and a spokesman for Tommy's - the baby charity - said: "It's not that surprising that we find in the blood things that are in the environment.
"Mother and baby communicate directly, although the placenta does filter out some toxic substances.
He said the baby was able to deal with toxic substances in a similar way to adults.
However if they were exposed to something very harmful before birth and onwards, that might be damaging.
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