1 Nov 2021 Toxicity Levels in the Air Could Be Affecting Pregnant Women and Their Fetuses

new study from the United Kingdom has revealed some disturbing information. It has found that air pollution particles found in placentas could be transferring to the fetus.

Everyday toxins in our environment include pesticides, smoke and carbon monoxide. Some of these toxins may possibly be absorbed by the placenta, though not all. Air pollution particles travel through the lungs of pregnant women and into their placentas, which could potentially reach their fetuses.

With recent toxicity levels on the rise, more and more environmental toxins are traveling through the air and into people’s bodies. In fetuses, this could cause mitochondrial toxicity, where cells become damaged or decrease in number. However, it is not confirmed whether air pollution particles continue traveling from the mother’s lungs through to the fetus,.

A toxic environment

Previously, the placenta was thought to absorb and counteract most common toxins. Recent studies show that this may not necessarily be true and that toxicity levels in the blood could be heightened if the placenta cannot absorb all of it.

Regardless, the particles do not need to get into the fetus’s developing body to have an adverse effect; if they have an effect on the placenta, this could directly impact the fetus. This is especially disturbing, since the growing problem of toxicity and the pollution causing it seem to begin even before we are born.

Mitochondrial toxicity

Mitochondrial toxicity is when toxins are so permanent, they have a lasting negative effect on blood cells.

Mitochondrial toxicity is a risk for everyone, as exposure to toxins is never positive. Most people with healthy immune systems and white blood cell count can defend from common toxins.

However, when an immune system is compromised, as it is when a woman is pregnant, it may put the patient at further risk of mitochondrial toxicity for both mother and child. Usually, the placenta acts as a filter, absorbing all the toxins so only non-tainted blood gets to the fetus.

Factors like area of residence, age and medical history seem to indicate that the placenta cannot always provide absolute protection, and certain expecting mothers could be more at risk for mitochondrial toxicity of the fetus.

Everyday toxins

Toxicity levels encountered in our everyday lives are at an increase. We are exposed to more toxins in our environment than ever before. Usually, we can defend against them with a working immune system, but a woman who is pregnant may experience complications if their placenta is not blocking all the toxicity.

Common contributors to increased toxicity levels include: pesticides, tobacco, alcohol, pollution and food-borne contagions. Since alcohol and tobacco are voluntary, scientists’ primary concerns are environmental toxins absorbed by a pregnant woman in daily life.

How to protect yourself

The best way to protect yourself if you are an expectant mother or have a compromised immune system is to not use tobacco, drugs or alcohol. Also, steer clear of secondhand smoke and harsh chemicals.

You can have an aging analysis cell test to determine toxicity levels in your blood. Once the test is performed, a specialist can consult with you and formulate an individualized plan on what can be done to lower toxicity/further preventative measures.

Concerns about your toxicity levels?

Toxicity levels in our environment are on the rise. Anyone with a weak or compromised immune system is at risk for mitochondrial toxicity, or toxins in the blood.

Those especially at risk are expectant mothers, as the placenta may not be capable of absorbing all toxins.

If you have concerns about toxicity, please call my office at (212) 243-5515 to set up an appointment for an aging analysis cell test. This non-invasive test is done right in the office, and you will get immediate results. It can help determine your toxicity levels, and we can discuss a plan for what steps to take next.

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