http://media.soundmedicine.org/segments/051213_1.mp3
The American Academy of Pediatrics recently released a policy statement that outlines the harmful effects of pesticides on early fetal development. In 2009, Paul Winchester, M.D., released a study that looked at 30 million Indiana births from 1996 to 2002. According to Dr. Winchester, babies conceived in April, May and June have higher rates of birth defects such as Down syndrome, cleft palate and spina bifida. Most birth defects, such as spina bifida, happen early in the pregnancy. Although many pesticides are dangerous and can cause serious birth defects, Dr. Winchester cautions that not all are harmful.