Even in the womb, an unborn child is particularly affected by his or her mother’s cosmetic use.
In 2004, the cord blood of ten random American newborns was studied by nonprofit research organizations Environmental Working Group and Commonweal. At least 101 chemicals were found in each baby tested, and an average of 200 toxins were found in each child. Out of the 287 different chemicals detected, 217 were toxic to the brain and nervous system. Additionally, 208 of the chemicals caused birth or developmental defects and 180 of the chemicals caused cancer. 1
The startling results prove a lot: it really does matter what personal care products a mother uses. In fact, chemicals and toxins cross the placenta and are passed on from mother to child just as easily as alcohol or cigarette smoke. 2
In his book “Husband-Coached Childbirth,” Dr. Robert A. Bradley writes, “For years we assumed that the placenta acted as a barrier between the baby’s and the mother’s circulation, protecting the baby from chemicals and drugs ingested by or injected into the mother. Dr. Frances Kelsey [of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration] states emphatically the placenta is now known not to be a barrier at all, rather, ‘it is a bloody sieve,’ through which everything the mother takes goes directly to the baby.” 3 While pregnant women are routinely advised against eating tuna during pregnancy or consuming even a drop of alcohol, they are never warned about using cosmetics.
A 2005 study revealed that almost half of all personal care products include ingredients that can harm reproductive systems or prenatal development. 4 Chemicals that harm babies are as varied as the products where they can be found. National Geographic reports, “Triclosan, widely used in soaps, toothpastes, and deodorants, has been detected in breast milk, and one recent study found that it interferes with testosterone activity in cells.” 5 And DEA (diethanolamine), a typical ingredient in sunscreens, is a suspected carcinogen that “depletes the body of choline needed for fetal brain development.” 6
One of the biggest offenders is phthalates. Often hidden as the term “fragrance” on ingredient lists, phthalates are linked to low birth weights 7 and are particularly damaging to male reproductive systems.
What can we do?
One of the first steps is awareness. It’s easy to be exposed to chemicals when you think all products are safe. Once you’re aware of the potential harm caused by personal care products, shop with a discerning eye.
Unfortunately, there’s no easy way to choose safe products – doing an online check is most effective. Visit the Environmental Working Group’s helpful Skin Deep Cosmetics Safety Database to research acceptable – or harmful – products. Shop for items that contain the fewest amount of ingredients. (In May, I’ll address a lot of common ingredients and reveal if they’re safe or not.)
When my husband and I decided to start trying to get pregnant, I started taking prenatal vitamins and stopped coloring my hair and using nail polish. I also limited my cosmetic choices through what was deemed safe on the Cosmetics Safety Database. While they were just a few small steps, I wanted to start creating as healthy of a womb as possible.
Shopping for safe personal care products does require a lot of research and time. But it’s worth the effort when protecting your unborn child.
Sources
1. and 2. “Body Burden – The Pollution in Newborns.” Environmental Working Group.
3. Husband-Coached Childbirth. Robert A. Bradley, M.D. Bantam Books, 1996, pp. 25-26.
4. Not Just a Pretty Face. Stacy Malkan. New Society Publishers, 2007, p. 54.
5. and 6. “The Dirty Dozen Chemicals in Cosmetics.” Catherine Zandonella. National Geographic’s Green Guide.
7. “Chemical Used in Plastics May Affect Newborn Size.” Kevin McKeever. The National Women’s Health Information Center.
Photo credit © Alexander Motrenko | Dreamstime.com
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