Exposure to toxic chemicals in food, water and air is linked to millions of deaths and costs billions of dollars every year, according to a report published Thursday by an international organization of medical professionals.
Among the poor health outcomes linked to pesticides, air pollutants, plastics and other chemicals, according to the report from the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO), an organization representing obstetrical and gynecological associations from 125 countries, are miscarriage and still births, an increase in cancer, attention problems and hyperactivity.
"Exposure to toxic environmental chemicals during pregnancy and breast-feeding is ubiquitous and is a threat to healthy human reproduction," the report states.