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It’s a common question – What is the effect of drugs/alcohol/smoking on a developing fetus? And the answer varies widely based on the substance. Alcohol, for example, seems to do the most harm in the first 8 weeks of pregnancy. Some drugs simply haven’t been around long enough for us to know what their long term effects will be. In the 1980s and 90s, experts predicted that “crack babies” would prove an overwhelming burden on society. It turns out, aside from some behavioral problems, these kids turned out just fine.
The problem is, we, as a society, are poisoning ourselves. I’m not talking about illegal drugs or secondhand smoke – and yes, even secondhand smoke can cause complications for an unborn child. Have you heard of BPA? Phthalates? PBDEs? All of these very common chemicals were thought to be relatively harmless. Turns out they’re not.
BPA, an abbreviation for bisphenol-A, is found in some plastics, can linings (canned food, soda, canned formula), and some items made from recycled paper. BPA is an endocrine disruptor that mimics our hormones. Current levels in humans are above those that are found to be harmful in animal tests. Babies are most susceptible to its effects – even babies that are still in the womb.
Phthalates are found in some plastics, such as PVC. I remember reading an article in which a scientist said something to the effect of “If we invented PVC today, we’d label it too hazardous to use at all.” Phthalates are also endocrine disruptors, and are found almost everywhere, because they easily break down. All of us have phthalates in our bodies, and phthalates, like BPA can cause harm to a fetus. A 2008 study reported that boys who were exposed to phthalates in the womb are more likely to have smaller genitals and exhibit more feminine or androgynous traits. Phthalates may also cause some behavioral problems.
Polybrominated diphenyl ethers, or PBDEs, are used as flame retardants. Many baby items are required to be flame retardant, most notably crib mattresses. However, PBDEs impair nervous system development and may also be hormone disruptors. Children have the highest concentrations in their systems, probably because so much of their stuff is flame retardant. The EPA declares that “PBDEs may possess liver toxicity, thyroid toxicity, and neurodevelopmental toxicity”.
So now, in addition to drugs, alcohol, and cigarettes, we can add BPA, phthalates, and PBDEs to the list of stuff to worry about. Are we seriously going to ask expectant mothers how much canned food they eat? What they sleep on? If they drink from plastic cups? Probably not.
What got me thinking about this? A blog post over at Healthy Child Healthy World. If you want to be completely depressed about the state of our environment, read that blog. Seriously though, by learning more about potential problem chemicals, you can change a lot of little habits that will make a big difference, especially to the child you bring home some day.
