Fetuses may be exposed to antimicrobial compounds

Soap chemicals found in pregnant women’s urine and cord blood, but health risks are uncertain

soap label showing triclosan as ingredient

Common antimicrobial compounds such as triclosan are found in a variety of consumer products. New research suggests these chemicals may pass to fetuses via blood.

Jack Black's Stunt Double/Flickr (CC BY-NC 2.0)

By way of the umbilical cord, babies in the womb may receive doses of antimicrobial compounds, including the controversial and ubiquitous chemical triclosan.