Exposure to chemicals used in hospital disinfectants and cleaning products could cause shrunken heads in newborns, experts say
Women exposed to a chemical used in hospital disinfectants are more likely to have children with shrunken heads, scientists claim.
According to the government, the substance ethylene oxide is also found in antifreeze, cleaning products and in the fluid used in Covid lateral flow tests.
It can also be found in cigarette smoke. However, Spanish researchers found that exposure among pregnant women can cause newborns to enter the world with lower birth weights and slightly shrunken heads.
A study of more than 1,000 newborns, including some from the United Kingdom, showed that umbilical cord blood contains ethylene oxide. This is the blood that remains in the placenta and umbilical cord after birth.
Women with the highest concentrations of ethylene oxide had an average of 71 grams lighter babies and a 0.3 cm smaller head circumference.
Women exposed to a common hospital disinfectant also used in Covid testing are more likely to have 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 be expected to cause harm to 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 lower 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 infant mortality, developmental problems and general poorer health later in life, according to the NHS.
The authors, who published their findings in the journal Epidemiologysaid the highest levels of ethylene oxide were found in women who were smokers.
However, they warned that women are also exposed to the chemical through indoor pollution from various household products, such as cleaning products and personal care brands.
Women who came into contact with ethylene oxide in healthcare settings where it was used in sterilization and who were also at increased risk, they added.
The researchers did not look at how much environmental exposure would be needed to cause problems, and there is no evidence that normal use of cleaning products could cause birth defects.
The study examined the umbilical cord blood of a total of 1,106 newborns from Greece, Spain, Norway, the United Kingdom and Denmark.
Manolis Kogevinas, lead author of the study, said the research highlights the importance of minimizing exposure to ethylene oxide (EO) 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 fetal health and improve birth outcomes.’
Ethylene oxide has previously been linked to poor birth outcomes. Some research suggests it could be ‘toxic’ to the reproductive system.
The official UK advice on ethylene oxide states that trace amounts in medical devices, including Covid lateral flow tests, are not expected to cause harm to an unborn child.