BPA Found in Umbilical Cord Blood

December 10th, 2009

An organization called the Environmental Working Group (EWG) commissioned a study to examine toxic chemicals that are found in the umbilical cord blood of babies.  The study found up to 232 different chemicals, including Bisphenol-A (BPA), a synthetic estrogen that has been linked to disruptions in the endocrine system which can cause reproductive, neurological, and behavioral problems.

The EWG found BPA in 9 out of the 10 cord blood samples it tested from racial and ethnic minority groups.  It is the first time that BPA has been found in cord blood.

While this will not impact cord blood collection and storage, it does demonstrate what children are being exposed to, even before they are born.  The EWG believes that any chemical that is found in cord blood should be given the highest priority for tough regulatory action to protect the public health.

Entry Filed under: Cord Blood