Premature and full-term babies are exposed to chemicals in vinyl plastics. Researchers found the exposures to be at a potentially harmful level.
A new study of 125 babies from birth to 14 months old examined the babies's exposure to the class of chemicals called phthalates. Phthalates are known hormone disruptors that are linked to altered sexual differentiation in the brain, physical alterations of male genitalia (male genitalia become feminized), ADD, ADHD, cognition and learning problems and asthma. When I presented this topic at Cancer Treatment Centers of America I reviewed over 300 studies and found links between endocrine disruptors and cancer in the literature.
The researchers were puzzled by the source of phthalates. I'm not. First of all, hospital equipment is notorious for phthalate exposures - I.V. bags, plastic tubing, etc. Pregnant women are exposed to phthalates through food packaging, shower curtain outgassing, cosmetics, household materials - phthalates are everywhere.
Premature infants who are at the highest risk for neurodevelopmental deficits are vulnerable to these exposures. The study found 80% of the infants born prematurely (before the 37th week) and 30% of the full-term infants had four phthalate metabolites in their urine that exceeded adult guidelines. In a new study, preterm babies had between 5 and 500 times higher levels than full-term infants of DEHP, BBzP and DiNP chemicals because of their hospital stays (average of 39 days) and their exposure to hospital equipment. Their levels dropped after leaving the hospital. We must push for a ban on these chemicals so hospitalized patients of all ages and sizes have one less thing to worry about during their stay.
Of note, phthalates in fragrances were almost the same in the preterm and full-term infants. What is the answer to that problem? Don't buy or wear fragrances. There are natural essential oils you can buy at a reputable health food store, compounding pharmacy or direct from Emerson Ecologics. I just ordered thyme, oregano and lavender for my daughter to use in her nose to resolve a chronic fungal congestion issue.
Fortunately, our I.V. bags and tubes are DEHP and polyvinyl chloride free.
We are your board-certified Detox Experts. We know how to eliminate phthlates from your bloodstream and tissues with individualized protocols. What's your total body burden and if you don't know isn't it time to know now?
Get all your ducks in a row. Schedule your appointment to discuss your environmental detoxification plan with the experts at Second Nature.
