A study that tested 168 baby foods from 61 brands found that 95% of baby foods tested are contaminated with one or more toxic heavy metals, according to a report released by the Healthy Babies Bright Futures organization.
The heavy toxic metals found in the baby food include
Lead
Arsenic
Mercury
Cadmium
According to the press release, these toxins can impact the growth of babies' brains, lower IQ, and increase the chance of cancer and lifelong deficits in intelligence.
"Arsenic, lead, and other heavy metals are known causes of neurodevelopmental harm," said Dr. Philip Landrigan, a pediatrician and Director of the Program in Global Public Health and the Common Good in the Schiller Institute for Integrated Science and Society at Boston College.
"Low-level exposures add up, and exposures in early life are especially dangerous. The cumulative impact of exposures is what makes this a significant concern that demands action."
A few of the popular brands tested include Gerber, Up&Up, Parent's Choice, Similac, and Enfamil. Some of the types of baby food tested include infant formula, meat jars, infant cereal, teething biscuits, and rice puffs.
According to the report, the tested products contained 94% of lead, 75% cadmium, 73% arsenic, and 32% mercury.
It is also reported that lead, arsenic, and cadmium are human carcinogens.
The baby food that contained the most toxic chemicals were rice-based foods, according to the report. The organization advises parents to make safer purchases.
"Parents can protect their babies today by choosing nutritious and affordable alternatives to the most contaminated foods," Dr.Landrigan said. "And, to protect the babies of tomorrow, the food companies and the FDA need to step up and do more."
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