Children exposed in the womb to elevated levels of pesticides, fungicides, and various synthetic chemicals are more likely to experience a heightened body mass index (BMI) during their childhood, a new research study concludes.
"This discovery carries significant weight, as rapid growth in the early years is connected to various health challenges both in childhood and later in life. This includes conditions such as obesity, cardiovascular diseases, and diabetes," commented Parisa Montazeri, the lead author of the study and an epidemiologist at the Barcelona Institute for Global Health in Spain.
"Obesogens": The Chemicals that May Boost Obesity
The research investigated multiple chemicals dubbed "obesogens"-substances suspected to promote obesity by meddling with the human metabolism and hormone balance. Montazeri pointed out that all the children in the study had prenatal exposure to these chemicals. In some cases, the concentration was too low to detect, but these instances were in the minority.
The connection between such synthetic chemicals and an increased BMI in children, as well as obesity in adults, has been indicated by prior studies. Dr. Leonardo Trasande, who wasn't a part of this study but is the director of environmental pediatrics at NYU Langone Health, stated, "This research confirms that synthetic chemicals contribute to increasing our weight."
In the study, 1,911 expectant mothers' blood and urine were examined for 23 prevalent contaminants. The research was a segment of a long-term project by the INfancia y Medio Ambiente Project in Spain, aiming to analyze the lifelong effects of prenatal exposure to various contaminants found in air, food, and water. The study meticulously followed the child's growth at different age milestones.
Several chemicals from the study, like hexachlorobenzene (HCB), linger in the environment and the human body for extended periods. HCB, for instance, was outlawed in the US back in 1984. Yet, it's still occasionally produced during certain chemical processes. Another chemical, DDE, arises when DDT (a pesticide banned in 1972) deteriorates in nature.
Most of the contamination in humans by both DDT and HCB primarily occurs through food, as Montazeri emphasized, with bioaccumulation in the food chain from sources such as fish, meat, and dairy products.
Furthermore, the study measured other chemicals like polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and "forever chemicals" called PFAS. These PFAS have been linked to thyroid issues in children and increased risks of certain cancers in adults.
Quick-to-Exit Chemicals with Lasting Effects: Phthalates and Phenols
Other chemicals from the study, like phthalates and phenols, exit the human body quickly but have been linked to a variety of health issues, including neurodevelopmental problems, childhood obesity, cancer, and reproductive challenges.
When assessing these chemicals, the researchers considered individual and collective exposures. Montazeri mentioned that this combined measurement offers a more "realistic representation" of human exposure to these contaminants.
The findings indicated a strong connection between chemicals like HCB, DDE, and PCBs and an increased risk of low birth weight, followed by a rapid rise in BMI. Montazeri observed, "These children begin life smaller, then grow incredibly swiftly, continuing on this rapid path, leading them to have among the highest BMIs by the age of 9."
While the study highlights the potential risks of prenatal exposure, it underscores the need for continued research on the lifelong health implications of such exposures.
To minimize exposure risks, expectant mothers are advised to avoid storing food in plastic containers, steer clear of non-stick pans, eat organic foods, and be cautious about cosmetic product labels. Making informed choices can significantly reduce the potential risks associated with these harmful chemicals.
