Pesticides Found in Pregnant Women

Researchers have found the presence of numerous harmful pesticides in the placentas of pregnant women.

According to a study by the University of Granada, fifteen different substances linked to pesticides have been found in pregnant women. Additionally, 100% of the women involved in the study had contamination with an average of 8 pesticides in their placentas during pregnancy. Researchers say these organochlorine substances may be potentially harmful to genitor-urinary development.

The study was conducted between 2000 and 2002 and involved 308 women who had given birth to healthy children. Through analysis of placentas, the researchers looked for 17 different kinds of pesticide chemicals that disrupt the performance of the hormonal system. Some women were found to have as many as 15 of the 17 pesticides analyzed.

Although the long term effects of early exposure to these pesticides are unclear, researchers have serious concerns due to the crucial timing of embryo exposure. However, they stress that a proper diet, daily exercise, and avoidance of tobacco may help control the presence and level of pesticides in the pregnant mother. This is also good general advice for a healthy pregnancy. Every year, more than 2,000 new chemical substances are created, and many of these potential contaminants become emitted into the environment and find their way into food, water, air, and soil. Studies like these demonstrate the dangers of releasing chemicals into our environment.