Toxins affect Babies in Utero

Toxins affect Babies in Utero In the world today, many new products are being developed, many industries are being established, technology is being incorporated in agriculture, and new foods are in production.

However, mankind seems not to reckon with the repercussions of these inventions on health. The fetus is conceivably the most susceptible member of humanity. Toxins in utero are adversely affecting fetal growth, leading to birth defects and severe immune impairment, thus calling for reduced exposure of pregnant women from toxins in the environment as well as foods.

“A fetus is at even greater risk due to rapid cellular division and differentiation”

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Toxins in utero are something to reckon with; many vital processes in embryo development can be disturbed by toxication. “Interruption of this delicate process by invading toxins can wreak havoc in the form of severe birth defects, malformation/mutation of male sex organs, reproduction deformities, lowered immunity, and neurological damage” (Macy 53). “The first three months of pregnancy are particularly critical months in the development of the embryo. This is the period in which the tissues and body systems begin to develop. Any adverse environmental toxins encountered during this period usually affect the very basic structure and form of the fetus's body, especially the nervous system” (Tomaskovic par. 3) Apparently, pregnant mothers encounter various forms of toxins in the environment.

While it is argued that low levels of these chemicals are not harmful to human bodies, Macy (64) notes that, “During the third trimester, the mother’s body dissolves stored maternal fat. The growing child can then receive these fat-stored toxins directly through the blood stream”.

A study by Washington Toxic Coalition established that even in the uterus, the fetuses are not protected from toxins.

Substances like PCB’s, dioxins, flame retardants, pesticides, Phthalates, Petrochemicals, formaldehyde and various heavy metals such as Mercury have been implicated in a range of emotional and behavioural problems – including autism, dyslexia, ADHD, and learning difficulties; all are conditions that strangely seem to have increased over the past century in line with our use of such substances (Macy 64).

“Bisphenol A, used to make polycarbonate plastic and the lining for food cans, was found in the urine of each woman. An artificial estrogen, it has been shown to be harmful to fetal development” (Schneider par. 4). Mercury (well known to harm brain development) and phthalate monoesters were found in the blood and urine of all the participants respectively.

“Mercury – Every woman in the study showed evidence of exposure to mercury, which has been

linked several times to impaired brain development. Exposure to mercury in the womb can lead to brain impairment problems” (Clean Air Plus par. 3).

Certain toxins have been found to affect the IQs and the learning abilities of children who were exposed to these chemicals in the uterus. “Research shows that babies born to mothers with a high concentration of PCBs have been found to have lower IQs, delayed learning capabilities, and reduced immunities against infections” (Smith 12). According to Markham (par. 5), “Exposure to car and truck exhaust in the womb has been shown to result in lower IQ at age five.

Babies enter the world with more than 200 dangerous chemicals in their blood (!), including flame-retardants, dioxins, substances in non-stick coatings like Teflon and hormone-like compounds found in plastic.” Rushton (par. 2) also found out that, “Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) which, is an industrial chemical linked to cancer and impaired foetal brain development”.

Phenols (found in detergents and personal care products) are another form of toxin that affects the embryo. Research shows that these toxins during the early development of the fetus also harm the respiratory system, circulatory systems as well as other vital organs of the body.

“Studies have linked phenols to damage to the respiratory and circulatory systems and damage to the liver, kidneys and eyes. They’re also known endocrine disrupters that can harm the endocrine system, reproduction and fertility” (Rushton par. 5).

While the sources of these toxins are many in the environment, Genetically Modified (GM) foods have played a very vital role. GM firms assure people that the toxins that researchers claim are destroyed in the gut and do not cross the placenta to the fetus system. However, research has surprisingly proved otherwise; toxins that are implanted in GM foods to kill pests have been found in the bloodstream of women and fetuses. Some of the chemicals in GM found in fetus blood stream include Bt toxins, designed to kill pests. “It is now clear the toxins

designed to kill crop pests are reaching humans and babies in the womb – apparently through food. It is not known what, if any, harm this causes but there is speculation it could lead to allergies, miscarriage, abnormalities or even cancer” (Poulter par. 4).

The data presented here simply suggests that a high dependence on chemicals will probably expose the unborn babies to a great risk. While, pregnant mothers may not fully evade these toxins, they can lessen exposure to them if they incorporate a few key things in their daily lives. Such measures include avoiding microwaving of food in plastic containers, shunning processed foods as much as possible, and using cosmetics and hair products that are phthalatefree.

Works Cited Clean Air Plus. Unborn Babies Exposed to Chemicals in the Womb. 4, Nov. 2012, http://www.cleanairplus.com/blog/unborn-babies-exposed-to-chemicals.html Macy, Carol. Environmental Toxins versus the Unborn Child. 2008, pp. 51-69.

Markham, Derek. “Toxic America Exposes Toxins Affecting Unborn Children.” Natural Papa, June 2, 2010. Web. Nov 4, 2012, http://naturalpapa.com/health/toxic-america-exposestoxins-affecting-unborn-children/ Poulter, Sean. “GM Food Toxins found in Blood of 93% of Unborn Babies.” Mail Online, May 20, 2011, Web. Nov 4, 2012 http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-1388888/GMfood-toxins-blood-93-unborn-babies.html Rushton, Anna. “Banned Chemicals that affect your Unborn Child and your Hormone Balance.”

Bioidentical Hormone Health, February 18, 2011. Web. Nov. 4, 2012, http://www.biohormone-health.com/2011/02/18/banned-chemicals-that-affect-your-unborn-child-andyour-hormone-balance/ Schneider, Andrew. Toxic affect Baby Still in Womb. November 17, 2009. Web. Nov 4, 2012, http://www.ktradionetwork.com/news-stories-2/toxins-affect-baby-still-in-womb Smith, Elizabeth. “Is breast still best? How are Environmental Toxins Affecting Breast Milk.”

International Journal of Childbirth Education 23.2 (2008): 12-14.

Smith, Stephanie. “Toxic Chemicals finding their Way into the Womb.” CNN Health, June 01, 2010, Nov 4. 2012, http://edition.cnn.com/2010/HEALTH/06/01/backpack.cord.blood/index.html Tomaskovic, Patricia. “Diseases that affect the Development of a Baby.” eHow. 2010. Web. Nov 4, 2012, http://www.ehow.com/about_5387008_diseases-affect-development-baby.html