THE ESSENTIAL
- In 2019, 753,000 babies were born in France, i.e. 6,000 fewer births than in 2018 (–0.7%).
- The number of births has been falling every year for the past five years, but at a slowing rate over the years.
Bisphenol A, phthalates… A new study of a very diverse group of 171 pregnant women found an increase in their exposure to chemicals, including plastics and pesticides.
103 chemicals
To identify this finding, the researchers evaluated the presence of 103 chemicals in organisms for 12 years, using a new technique to identify them in urine. Conclusion: more than 80% of the substances were found in one of the women included in the study, and more than a third in the majority of the participants.
Many women had been in contact with neonicotinoids, a type of pesticide toxic to bees. The study also found higher exposures among participants who were single, had low levels of education, or were confronted with tobacco.
Development period
“Our results clearly show that the number and extent of chemicals in pregnant women increase during a highly vulnerable developmental period for both the pregnant woman and the fetus,” said Tracey J. Woodruff, co-author of the study.
Prenatal exposure to chemicals can come from air, food, water, and plastics. Its health impact on mother and child is still unknown.
