PROTECT researcher links amniotic fluid to chemical exposure in fetuses

by | Mar 26, 2012 | Project 2 (Toxicology), PROTECT Research

An article in Science of the Total Environment co-authored by Project 2 Leader Rita Loch-Caruso has described work by her and her colleagues showing that PBDEs (a chemical found in flame retardants and considered to hurt brain development) are present in amniotic fluid, which surrounds the fetus in the womb.

While the study size was small (15 samples) and anonymous, the findings are meaningful.  Says Dr. Loch-Caruso:

“The prevalence of PBDEs in amniotic fluids in this study tells us that fetal exposure to the chemicals is not uncommon … and probably pretty common.”