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Test results from 10 newborn babies find 287 chemicals from 9 diverse chemical families

	Mercury (Hg) - tested for 1, found 1 Pollutant from coal-fired power plants, mercury-containing products, and certain industrial processes. Accumulates in seafood. Harms brain development and function.
	Detected in: 10 of 10 newborns tested Average concentration: 0.947 parts per billion (ppb) (whole blood) Range: 0.07 to 2.3 ppb
	Polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) - tested for 18, found 9 Pollutants from burning gasoline and garbage. Linked to cancer. Accumulates in food chain.
	Detected in: 5 of 5 newborns tested Average concentration: 285 parts per trillion (ppt) (blood lipids) Range: 217 to 384 ppt
	Polybrominated dibenzodioxins and furans (PBDD/F) - tested for 12, found 7 Contaminants in brominated flame retardants. Pollutants and byproducts from plastic production and incineration. Accumulate in food chain. Toxic to developing endocrine (hormone) system
	Detected in: 7 of 10 newborns tested Average concentration: 55.9 parts per trillion (ppt) (blood lipids) Range: below detection limit to 299 ppt
	Perfluorinated chemicals (PFCs) - tested for 12, found 9 Active ingredients or breakdown products of Teflon, Scotchgard, fabric and carpet protectors, food wrap coatings. Global contaminants. Accumulate in the environment and the food chain. Linked to cancer, birth defects, and more.
	Detected in: 10 of 10 newborns tested Average concentration: 6.17 parts per billion (ppb) (whole blood) Range: 3.37 to 10.7 ppb
	Polychlorinated dibenzodioxins and furans (PBCD/F) - tested for 17, found 11 Pollutants, by-products of PVC production, industrial bleaching, and incineration. Cause cancer in humans. Persist for decades in the environment. Very toxic to developing endocrine (hormone) system.
	Detected in: 10 of 10 newborns tested Average concentration: 59.4 parts per trillion (ppt) (blood lipids) Range: 37.9 to 102 ppt
	Organochlorine pesticides (OCs) - tested for 28, found 21 DDT, chlordane and other pesticides. Largely banned in the U.S. Persist for decades in the environment. Accumulate up the food chain, to man. Cause cancer and numerous reproductive effects.
	Detected in: 10 of 10 newborns tested Average concentration: 18,600 parts per trillion (ppt) (blood lipids) Range: 8,720 to 35,400 ppt
	Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) - tested for 46, found 32 Flame retardant in furniture foam, computers, and televisions. Accumulates in the food chain and human tissues. Adversely affects brain development and the thyroid.
	Detected in: 10 of 10 newborns tested Average concentration: 6,420 parts per trillion (ppt) (blood lipids) Range: 1,110 to 14,200 ppt
	Polychlorinated Naphthalenes (PCNs) - tested for 70, found 50 Wood preservatives, varnishes, machine lubricating oils, waste incineration. Common PCB contaminant. Contaminate the food chain. Cause liver and kidney damage.
	Detected in: 10 of 10 newborns tested Average concentration: 617 parts per trillion (ppt) (blood lipids) Range: 295 to 964 ppt
	Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) - tested for 209, found 147 Industrial insulators and lubricants. Banned in the U.S. in 1976. Persist for decades in the environment. Accumulate up the food chain, to man. Cause cancer and nervous system problems.
	Detected in: 10 of 10 newborns tested Average concentration: 7,880 parts per trillion (ppt) (blood lipids) Range: 2,990 to 19,700 ppt

Source: Chemical analyses of 10 umbilical cord blood samples conducted by
AXYS Analytical Services (Sydney, BC) and Flett Research Ltd. (Winnipeg, MB).

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More From Body Burden — The Pollution in Newborns
Executive Summary
Babies are Vulnerable
Human Health Problems on the Rise
Guide to testing.
Adult Blood Test Results.
Why are babies born polluted?
Guest Commentary
Peer Statement