Dried human umbilical cords and study of pollutants
ROBERT W. MILLER
Epidemiology Branch, A-521 Landow Building, National Cancer Institute
Bethesda, Maryland 20014, U.S.A.
Sir, ___ Ingeniously, Nishigaki and Harada1 used dried umbilical cords from up to 48 years ago todetermine methylmercury and selenium levels in relation to water pollution and an epidemic in the1950s of a severe neurological disorder due to methylmercury (Minamata disease).2 In Japan dried
umbilical cords were traditionally stored, usually without preservatives, to prepare a folk-medicine
for serious illness. The report brings to mind other possible uses of dried umbilical cords.
In the Jintzu and Ichi River basins of Japan, similar studies could be made to chronicle the levelsof cadmium from drinking-water, a contaminant which is thought to contribute to development of anew painful bone disorder (Itai-itai byo, the English translation of which is “Ouch-ouch disease”).3
In Kyushu the cords could be examined for the presence of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), a
heat-transfer agent, which leaked through pin-hole erosions from pipes in which the PCBs were
contained into cooking oil during its manufacture, and caused an epidemic in which 1291 persons
developed chloracne,4 and 13 newborn babies (2 of them stillborn) were cola-colored, small-for-date,and had other abnormalities.5 PCBs have recently been reported to induce hepatocellular carcinoma
in rats.6
Umbilical cords are readily available, and can be stored easily and inexpensively. Whenepidemics occur from chemical contamination in areas of the world where umbilical cords are not
traditionally stored, they could nonetheless be obtained for study later under optimal conditions, e.g.,
the epidemic of methylmercury poisoning in Iraq in 1971-72, from the misuse of fungicide-coatedwheat for making bread.7,8 In Michigan, contamination of cattle and dairy products with
polybrominated biphenyls (PBBs) caused no known human disease,9 but because of the similar
chemistry to PCBs the population should be evaluated for late effects. Until more sophisticatedstudies can be initiated, dried umbilical cords could be put aside for future study if needed. Study
can be made of agents that are deposited during pregnancy in the umbilical cord and persist for along time. Most pesticides are in this category.
Dried cords might be collected in Glasgow, where lead from pipes enters the tap-water, and isthought to affect the intelligence of the child,10 as in El Paso, Texas, where the lead is airborne fromsmelters.11 When children born now are old enough to be tested, comparison could be made of thosewith high vs. low IQs with respect to lead levels in their cords.
Cords systematically collected and stored might be used as a biological dosimeter for changes inthe levels of pollutants over time ____ as was done in the Minamata area. In selected health-caresystems, a relationship might be sought between certain etiologically puzzling diseases of childhoodand chemical analysis of the cord. There are no doubt many more possibilities than have beensuggested here.
References
1. Nishigaki, S., Harada, M. Nature, 1975, 258, 324.
2. McAlpine, D., Araki, S. Lancet, 1958, ii, 629.
3. Nogawa, K., Ishizaki, A., Fukushima, M., et al. Environ. Res. 1975, 10, 280.
4. Maugh, T.H. Science, 1975, 190, 1189.
5. Kuratsune, M., Yoshimura, T., Matsuzaka, J., et al. H.S.M.H.A. Health. Rep. 1971, 86, 1083.
6. Kimbrough, R.D., Squire, R.A., Lindor, R.E., et al. J.Nat. Cancer Inst. 1975, 55, 1453.
7. Bakir, F., Damluji, S.F., Amin-Zaki, L., et al. Science, 1973, 181, 230.
8. Amin-Zaki, L., Elhassani, S., Majeed, M.A., et al. Pediatrics Springfield, 1974, 54, 587.
9. Dunckel, A.E. J Am. Vet. Med. Ass. 1975, 167, 838.
10. Beattie, A.D., Moore, M.R., Goldberg, A., et al. Lancet, 1975, i, 589.
11. Landrigan, P.J., Whitworth, R.H., Baloh, R.W., et al. ibid. p.708.
from Lancet, 1976 Feb 7; 1(7954): 315-6