Pregnant moms are exposed to toxic chemicals

The Washington Toxics Coalition yesterday released a study which is being called the first of its kind. The project tested nine pregnant women from Washington, Oregon and California for levels of toxic chemicals in their bodies, and thus being exposed to their fetuses. This study was completed in collaboration with Commonweal Biomonitoring Resource Center and the Toxic-Free Legacy Coalition.

The women were tested in their second trimester of pregnancy. Every woman tested was found to have levels of bisphenol A, mercury, phthalates, and perfluorinated -- or "Teflon" -- chemicals in their blood. The chemical levels are alarming because the chemicals tested are known to impair brain development, disrupt hormone levels, cause reproductive issues, and lead to cancer.

Several participants expressed disappointment and frustration because they thought that they were protecting their unborn children from toxic chemicals as much as possible. Participant Connie Galambos Malloy said, “This study shows that my body has been invaded by toxins from all angles despite my efforts to the contrary.”

Molly Gray, one of the study participants, did everything she could think of to protect her child during pregnancy. She told the study authors:

"I do my best to live organic and chemicalfree. Apparently, local/organic food only, toxin-free cleaners, off-gassed mattress, low/ no VOC paint, and filtered water isn’t enough. The answer I received from this study is that the fight is too big for just one person!"

This study underlines the need for states to pass laws protecting populations such as children and pregnant women from toxic chemicals. Washington is one of the leading states in protecting its citizens and has passed the Children's Safe Products Act which bans dangerous chemicals in children's products. Maine and Connecticut have also passed similar laws. While the EPA is beginning to overhaul the federal law overseeing toxic chemicals, it is going to take a joint effort between federal and state laws to provide the most protection to our families.

In the meantime, you can protect yourself by taking some personal actions in your household. As Consumer Affairs points out in an article about this study, you can avoid processed foods, avoid microwaving foods in plastic containers, limit soft plastic toys for your children, use environmentally-friendly products and look for phthalate-free cosmetics to limit your exposure.

Further reading:

• Read the study in its entirety (PDF).
• Seattle Post Globe. Infuriated mom: Why can't I protect my body?
• The SunBreak. It's not easy (or even possible) to be a green parent in Seattle.
• Sphere. Household Toxics Reach Babies Even in Womb, Researchers Find.
• The Signal. Red List & Precautionary List Chemicals Found in Pregnant Women.