A study of chemical contamination among pregnant women in WA has discovered elevated levels of heavy metals and the presence of pollutants banned for almost 40 years.
Researchers at Edith Cowan University found the levels of the toxic heavy metal cadmium in the blood and urine of pregnant women were among the highest detected anywhere in the world.
More than 35 per cent of the women in the study had cadmium concentrations in their urine at levels that have been shown in international studies to increase the risk of osteoporosis and renal disease in older women.
The study also found that some of the women had elevated levels of uranium. Lead scientist Andrea Hinwood said the uranium finding was so unexpected it was being reanalysed.
The study examined 173 expectant mothers who did not smoke and had not been exposed to industrial chemicals in the workplace.
Samples of their blood and urine were analysed along with dust, soil and drinking water from their homes for evidence of heavy metals, pesticides and other toxins. Detectable levels of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), banned in 1975, were found in some of the WA women as well as in the dust of many of their homes.
Mercury levels were elevated in some women, with those who consumed large amounts of fish more likely to have the contaminant.
Professor Hinwood said it appeared that taking folic acid, vitamins and iron in pregnancy could decrease the level of heavy metals in the blood.
"We are concerned about the foetus and newborn child as they are more sensitive to the toxic effects of many persistent toxic substances found in the environment," she said.
She said previous research had suggested there may be subtle effects from high concentrations of persistent toxic substances in a pregnant woman's blood, including problems with reproduction and pregnancy, reduced childhood defence against diseases and poor infant mental development.
Some of the toxins may also increase the risk of cancer, Professor Hinwood said. She said while the elevated cadmium levels were of concern they did not appear to be passed on to children in the womb.
University of WA expert Peter Franklin said there was growing evidence that maternal exposure to even small levels of toxins could result in health issues in children.
Alliance for a Clean Environment convenor Jane Bremmer said the results highlighted the need for WA to have better environmental health legislation.
"The fact that residues from these chemicals are turning up in our bodies indicates the level of contamination that we live with," Ms Bremmer said.
