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| POSTED 11/1/2005 |
Toxin Exposure Linked
to Immune Disorders |
If you’re pregnant be careful to avoid any exposure to trace amounts of lead and mercury. A recent study conducted by Rod Dietert, Ph.D., professor of immunotoxicology at Cornell’s College of Veterinary Medicine, and presented at a conference in Lyon, France, found that exposing developing fetuses to these substances may be causing the recent dramatic increase in asthma, allergies, and autoimmune diseases such as lupus.
“Exposure to certain drugs and chemicals in the last trimester can really mess things up,” Dr. Dietert told the Philadelphia Inquirer. He adds that low doses of lead, mercury, ethanol, or drugs such as dexamethasone (a steroid) can permanently prevent an immune system from maturing. Trace amounts of these substances, however, do not harm an adult immune system. |
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