by James Baker
Environmental toxins are everywhere, so they can easily find their way into the human body. You cannot imagine how many hazardous chemicals you get exposed to every day, from pesticides to cleaning supplies and contaminated water. You must be extra watchful if you are pregnant because prolonged exposure to these toxins can affect the health of your unborn baby.
The Camp Lejeune water contamination disaster is one of the worst horror stories for pregnant women. Countless lost their babies to miscarriages, and many babies were born with birth defects. However, awareness is the best way to avert such risks and save your pregnancy from the harmful effects of toxins in the air, water, food, medicines, and household products. Let us highlight common environmental toxins that can harm your unborn baby.
Lead
Lead is among the most hazardous environmental chemicals affecting babies and young children the most. Studies indicate that prolonged exposure to lead during pregnancy elevates the risk of low birth weight, preterm delivery, and miscarriage. Even small amounts can cause developmental delays in infants. Unfortunately, lead may lurk in your drinking water, specifically in homes with lead pipes and brass faucets. Using cold water and letting it run for a minute before use can reduce lead levels.
Lead-based paint is another common culprit pregnant women should be aware of. If your home has lead paint, avoid areas with peeling paint, as potential inhalation or ingestion can be problematic. You can also get your home scraped and repainted by a professional while you are away. Crystal glassware, antique ceramics, and scented candles are other items you must avoid.
Water-borne solvents
Besides lead, your household water supplies may have several hazardous toxins that may harm your unborn baby. Consider the example of Camp Lejeune contamination, where the housing areas and other facilities got toxic water. The sources of chemicals were industrial area spills, leaking storage tanks, and waste disposal sites. The contaminants included dangerous chemicals such as tetrachloroethylene (PCE), trichloroethylene (TCE), dichloroethylene, vinyl chloride, and benzene.
Countless residents living in the area from 1953 to 1987 bore the brunt of the prolonged chemical exposure. The recent Camp Lejeune Justice Act entitled victims to claim compensation for the negligence of the authorities. A victim can hire a water contamination attorney to seek justice for their suffering. But no amount of compensation can make up for the loss of a baby or the pain of seeing them struggle with birth defects.
Mercury in fish
Although seafood is a healthy low-fat and high-protein food choice, some fish may be dangerous. Sharks, swordfish, and king mackerel have high mercury levels, making them hazardous for pregnant women. Even lactating moms should avoid them as they contain enough mercury to reach the baby and harm the developing nervous system and motor skills.
Tuna is another possible hazard you must be aware of, though mercury levels in the fish may vary. Fresh tuna and canned albacore have it in a higher amount than canned light tuna. If you like seafood, you can opt for safer alternatives such as perch, sole, cod, salmon, flounder, and catfish. Also, check the source to ensure that the fish that comes to your table does not come from contaminated water.
Arsenic
Arsenic is another deadly toxin found in outdoor wooden structures made with pressure-treated lumber. Treated wood contains an arsenic-based preservative, which can lead to a high risk of various cancers and diabetes. Pregnant women may suffer from miscarriage and stillbirth due to prolong exposure. You can limit it by washing your hands after touching outdoor wooden structures.
Also, avoid pressure-washing these structures and get them treated annually with a polyurethane sealant to prevent arsenic exposure. Arsenic may also occur near waste sites and agricultural areas with older arsenic-based fertilizers in the soil. Some locations even have it in the local rocks. The run-off from rocks and soil may reach the drinking water in your area, so getting it tested or switching to bottled water is a better alternative.
Besides these dangerous environmental toxins, pregnant women should also be conscious about the use of pesticides at home. Likewise, household cleaners, cosmetics, and personal care products may contain toxic chemicals that cause hazards to the unborn fetus. Swapping chemical-based products with natural and herbal alternatives is a good way to avoid them. In fact, you can embrace them for a lifetime to minimize toxin exposure for your family in the long run. A little caution can help you maintain a healthy pregnancy with minimal risk to your unborn baby.
James Baker works as a senior content writer at Outreach Monks. Baker loves to write articles on health, environment and educate his readers on the importance of sustainability. Other than writing, he likes creating educational content on social media.
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