Study: 232 Chemicals Found in Newborns

(MYFOX NATIONAL) - Bisphenol A, a chemical used in the production of hard plastics, has been getting plenty of media attention recently for its potential to cause reproductive abnormalities, breast and prostate cancers, diabetes and heart disease. But now a study indicates that mothers might be passing the consumption of BPA and other harmful chemicals to their fetuses.

The Mother Nature Network reports that a study done by the eco-non-profit Environmental Working Group and Rachel's Network found 232 toxic chemicals in the umbilical cord blood of 10 randomly selected African-American, Asian and Hispanic babies born between 2007 and 2008. BPA was found in nine out of the 10 babies.

"Among the substances newly discovered, in addition to BPA, included a toxic flame retardant chemical (tetrabromobisphenol A) designed for computer circuit boards, chemicals used in synthetic fragrances (galaxolide and tonalide) for common cosmetics and detergents, and a member of the notorious Teflon chemical family (perfluorobutanoic acid) that helps make non-stick, and grease, stain and water-resistant coatings for a number of everyday consumer products," said Alex Formuzis, EWG’s director of communications.

The study notes that scientists agree the health threats caused by exposure to these chemicals is far greater before birth, but just how dangerous is unknown. The researchers said they would like the Centers For Disease Control to conduct a comprehensive cord blood-testing program so that the chemical exposures in the womb over time can be identified and quantified.

The Environmental Working Group has tips for how pregnant women can avoid toxic chemicals . Some of the recommendations include avoiding bottled water and instead drinking water filtered by a reverse osmosis system or carbon filter; choosing body care products that don't contain triclosan, BHA, fragrance and oxybenzone; and not microwaving food in plastic containers.

Consumer Reports recently found BPA in certain name-brand canned foods .