Time: 2024-07-03
Women exposed to ethylene oxide, a chemical found in hospital disinfectants, antifreeze, detergents, and even in Covid lateral flow tests, are at a higher risk of giving birth to babies with lower birth weight and slightly smaller heads. A recent study involving over 1,000 newborns, including some in the UK, found evidence of ethylene oxide in cord blood. Women with the highest levels of ethylene oxide had babies that were, on average, 71g lighter and had a 0.3cm smaller head circumference. The study also highlighted that reduced head circumference and lower birth weight can lead to delayed neurodevelopment, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and osteoporosis.
The research conducted by Spanish scientists emphasized that women exposed to a common hospital disinfectant containing ethylene oxide, as well as in Covid tests, are more likely to give birth to children with shrunken heads. While official UK advice suggests that trace amounts of ethylene oxide in medical devices may not harm unborn children, the study found that exposure to this chemical during pregnancy can have detrimental effects on newborns. The authors of the study warned that women are not only exposed to ethylene oxide through cigarette smoke but also through indoor pollution from various household products such as cleaning agents and personal care items.
The study examined cord blood from newborns in several countries, highlighting the importance of minimizing ethylene oxide exposure both at home and in the workplace. Lead author Barbara Harding stressed the significance of addressing ethylene oxide exposure to protect fetal health and improve birth outcomes. The study results underscored the potential risks associated with ethylene oxide exposure, with previous studies suggesting that it could be toxic to the reproductive system. Researchers did not specify the exact environmental exposure required to cause problems but recommended policy changes to reduce ethylene oxide exposure in vulnerable populations, particularly women of childbearing age.
In addition to the study on ethylene oxide exposure, the website www.isglobal.org provided information on its use of cookies to collect data on how the website is used. Cookies are files downloaded onto devices to store data related to website visits. The website's cookies policy outlined the types of cookies used, including technical, personalization, analytics, advertising, and behavioral advertising cookies. By browsing and staying on the website, users provide consent for the use of cookies, which can be disabled or blocked through browser settings. The policy emphasized the importance of reviewing cookie configurations and settings, as well as possible updates to the policy over time.
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