Women exposed to a chemical used in hospital disinfectant are more likely to give birth to children with shrunken heads, scientists claim.
Called ethylene oxide, is also found in antifreeze, detergents and in the liquid used in Covid lateral flow tests, according to the Government.
It can also be found in cigarette smoke. However Spanish researchers found that exposure among pregnant women can lead to newborns entering the world with a lower birth weight and slightly shrunken heads.
A study involving just over 1,000 newborns, including some in the UK, found evidence of ethylene oxide in cord blood, the blood that remains in placenta and umbilical cord after birth.
Women with the highest levels of ethylene oxide had, on average, babies which were 71g lighter and with a 0.3cm smaller head circumference.
Women exposed to a common hospital disinfectant that is also used in Covid tests are more likely to give birth to children with shrunken heads, scientists claim
Official UK advice on ethylene oxide states that trace amounts in medical devices, including Covid lateral flow tests, would not the expected to harm an unborn child
Lead author Barbara Harding, from the Barcelona Institute for Global Health, said: ‘Reduced head circumference has been linked to delayed neurodevelopment, and reduced birth weight increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes mellitus and osteoporosis.’
Low birth weight on the other hand is associated with an increased risk of childhood mortality, developmental problems and general poorer health in later life according to the NHS.
The authors, who published their findings in the journal Epidemiology, said the highest levels of ethylene oxide were found women who were smokers.
However, they warned women are also exposed to the chemical through indoor pollution from various household products such as cleaning and personal care brands.
Women who came into contact with ethylene oxide in healthcare settings where it used in sterilisation where also at heightened risk they added.
The researchers did not look at how much environmental exposure would be required to produce problems, an there is no indication that normal use of cleaning products could cause birth defects.
The study examined cord blood from total of 1,106 newborns from Greece, Spain, Norway, UK and Denmark.
Manolis Kogevinas, senior author of the study said the highlights the importance of minimising ethylene oxide (EO) exposure at home and in the workplace.
‘The study results highlight the importance of addressing EO exposure in both occupational and non-occupational settings,’ he said.
‘Policy changes to reduce EO exposure in vulnerable populations, such as women of childbearing age, could protect foetal health and improve birth outcomes.’
Ethylene oxide has been linked to poor birth outcomes before with some studies suggesting it could be ‘toxic’ to the reproductive system.
Official UK advice on ethylene oxide states that trace amounts in medical devices, including Covid lateral flow tests, would not the expected to harm an unborn child.
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