From: Viet Nam News
High content of coumarin in smuggled cigarettes raises risk of birth defects
Experts suggested that the Government should take further drastic measures to prevent cigarettes smuggling to ensure health for people, especially pregnant women.–VNA/VNS Photo
HCM CITY — Exposure to high amounts of toxic coumarin, found in smuggled cigarettes coming into the country in recent years, raises the risk of several birth defects or even miscarriage, health experts warn.
Dr Nguyễn Thị Từ Vân, former lecturer of HCM City University of Medicine and Pharmacy, told Việt Nam News: “Many international studies have shown that if pregnant women, especially in the first three months of pregnancy, are exposed to toxic substances including coumarin via inhalation and ingestion when living in an environment with these substance, then their child in the womb is at risk of birth defects such as minor neurological dysfunction, cerebral retardation and hand, foot, and eye abnormalities.”
