"The fetus is uniquely vulnerable to the effects of toxic chemicals. In this study, we investigated the environment experienced by nine fetuses-their mothers. We tested nine pregnant women, from Washington, Oregon, and California, during the second trimester of their pregnancies. Our tests measured levels of five chemical groups, including phthalates, mercury, perfluorinated compounds or "Teflon chemicals," bisphenol A, and the flame retardant tetrabromobisphenol A, in the blood and urine of pregnant women. Tests also measured levels of thyroid hormones, critical for a healthy pregnancy.
Results from this study reveal that children spend their first nine months in an environment that exposes them to known toxic chemicals."

Support: Digital