Scientists find chemical compounds from cosmetics in the umbilical cord blood of babies

2023-05-22 19:24:26

Scientists have found for the first time 11 Chemical Compounds in Umbilical Cord Blood of 69 newborns in Barcelona, ​​including ultraviolet filters used in sun creams and parabens used in cosmetics.

Researchers from the Institute for Environmental Diagnosis and Water Studies (IDAEA-CSIC), who have had the collaboration of Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, have warned that these chemical compounds can have adverse effects in early stages of fetal and infant development.

“In 17% of the umbilical cord samples that we analyzed, we detected benzophenone-3 (oxybenzone), the most widely used ultraviolet (UV) filter worldwide for sun protection and which is currently prohibited in some countries,” explained the researcher. from IDAEA-CSIC Sílvia Díaz-Cruz, main author of the study.

What is avobenzone?

The avobenzone is a common substance in sun creams and other body lotions for its broad protection against solar radiation, and may interfere with the natural action of estrogen and promote the development of childhood obesity, according to the researchers.

Also have found high concentrations of benzophenone-2 (53.3 ng/mL) known endocrine disruptor that was already found in previous studies in the human placenta and in breast milk.

Primary exposure by dermal contact

Researchers have pointed out that the main route of exposure to these compounds is through dermal contactalthough they can also enter the human body through contaminated food or water, or by inhaling air.

Among the other chemicals found for the first time in umbilical cord, highlights the antioxidant MBMwhich is an additive in plastic containers.

“Considering the limited number of samples in our work, these results should be interpreted as a preliminary reference to study the transfer of chemical compounds through the umbilical cord in a larger population,” Díaz-Cruz concluded.

The researcher Díaz-Cruz proposes monitoring to find out the negative effects of these compounds in the long term and carry out a more appropriate regulation in relation to human health and the environment.