Katharina Buczek
“These chemicals are of serious concern due to their links to cancer and developmental toxicity, yet they are not routinely monitored in the United States,” explained Tracey J. Woodruff, a co-senior author of the study.
For example, after melamine baby formula poisoning incidents occurred in 2004, 2007, and 2008 that resulted in kidney stones and numerous deaths, melamine was later recognized as a kidney toxicant. More recent research has also found melamine to reduce brain function.
Additionally, exposure to these chemicals together only boosts their toxicity. Melamine is found in pesticides, dishware, plastics, and flooring; meanwhile, cyanuric acid is used as a plastic stabilizer, disinfectant, and swimming pool cleaning solvent.
Finally, aromatic amines are commonly found in tobacco smoke, paint, tattoo ink, mascara, hair dye, and diesel exhaust. What is even more disheartening is that women of color were found to be disproportionately exposed to the highest chemical levels.
“It is disconcerting that we continue to find higher levels of many of these harmful chemicals in people of color,” said Jessie Buckley, the study’s co-senior author.
And now, the researchers have underscored that regulatory action is needed to limit both mothers’ and babies’ exposure to known carcinogens and potential developmental toxins.
To read the study’s complete findings, which have since been published in Science Direct, you can visit the link here.
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