I know that you have been properly indoctrinated into the understanding that what we do before, during and after pregnancy will preprogram the baby for health or disease for decades to come. The second a couple decides to become pregnant it is no longer about them–every decision they make influences the developing baby.
This particular study, while a mouse study, reinforces this finding in yet another dimension. The feeding of a high fat diet to pregnant mice let to a permanently reduced the ability of the baby to produce antioxidants, specifically in the liver. That means that this little baby, due to no fault of it’s own, will suffer increased liver damage as a result of mom’s behavior during pregnancy.
Add to this being overweight prior to pregnancy and reduced intake of antioxidants during pregnancy and other problems are known to occur.
Probably the scariest in society today is the sheer volume of environmental contaminants that the developing baby is exposed to. According the the 10 Americans Study performed by http://www.ewg.org/ the average exposure of infants in the womb (from a mere 400 out of some 82,000 chemicals approved by the EPA) was to 287 different chemicals. Run a search on YouTube for the 10 Americans Study and watch the presentation–a strong eye opener. The exposure is massive.
Some we can be aware of and control. BPA. Teflon. Flame retardants, phthalates, pesticides, insecticides, weed killers, cigarette smoke. These are just some of the known exposures. It’s the unknown ones affecting the developing baby that is scary. The best we can do is limit the known exposure and counteract the exposures with the highest intake of phytonutrients possible through a plant based diet free of artificial colors, flavors and preservatives.
Your baby will thank you. When he or she is 50.
Sara says
Hi Dr. Bogash — I applaud the idea of creating a safer home, and because there’s so much misinformation out there about the Teflon® brand, I’m not surprised that you are concerned. I’m a representative of DuPont though, and hope you’ll let me share some information with you and your readers so that everyone can make truly informed decisions.
Regulatory agencies, consumer groups and health associations all have taken a close look at the Teflon® brand. This article highlights what they found — the bottom line is that you can use Teflon® non-stick without worry.
http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/home-garden/kitchen/cookware-bakeware-cutlery/nonstick-pans-6-07/overview/0607_pans_ov_1.htm
I’d truly be glad to share additional information about it if you are interested, and appreciate your consideration of this comment. Cheers, Sara.
James Bogash says
Sara–thank you very much for your reply. In today’s toxic environment, ANY exposure to any compound known to affect health (of which PTFE is well known to cause deleterious health effects http://archpedi.ama-assn.org/cgi/content/abstract/164/9/860) is too much. Our bodies respond to compounds in the parts per billion level, which is well within potential limits based on exposures to cookware. And, if there is a question, even if it is not fully answered yet, why would anyone want to take the potential risk when stainless steel cookware is no harder to clean?
In addition, Consumer Reports is not what I would refer to for any references on health concerns of toxic chemicals. Consumer Reports is not even on the same scientific level as a group like EWG.org, who has done a very well referenced article on exposure to PTFE through offgassing.
http://www.ewg.org/node/8305