Dr. Sanjay Gupta: New Study Found Toxic, Cancer-Causing Chemicals in 80% of Common Baby Products
Posted on May 28, 2011
CNN's Dr. Sanjay Gupta reports on a new study that found toxic flame retardants in 80% of common baby products. The study was published in the journal Environmental Science & Technology. Dr. Gupta (who has three young children and is quite alarmed by the results) says that that we are surrounded by chemicals, and most of them have never been tested.
In this study, the chemicals are used as flame retardents. The main chemical used as a flame retardant affects DNA and causes cancer. The chemical was banned from children's pajamas in the 70s, but it is commonly used now.
Dr. Gupta says that children are being born "pre-polluted." Tests show up to 200 chemicals in umbilical cord blood. Children are more susceptible to these chemicals, because they are still growing. Children spend more time on the ground, where many of these dangerous chemicals are -- such as pesticides. He says removing outdoor shoes when you enter your home really helps reduce chemical exposure, as does having lots of plants. Take a look:
You can read more about the study at The San Francisco Chronicle. You can read the original article entitled "Identification of Flame Retardants in Polyurethane Foam Collected from Baby Products" here. The article goes into extensive detail about the testing methods and the exact chemicals found in the products.