A new study has shown that babies born in the early 2000s were exposed to far more "perpetual chemicals" in the womb than scientists previously realized. The researchers analyzed the cord blood using advanced chemical screening and found 42 different PFAS compounds in it. Many of these compounds are not routinely checked by standard tests. PFAS are long-lasting chemicals found in common products such as non-stick cookware, food packaging and stain-resistant fabrics. These substances accumulate in the body over time. The study thus revealed a higher rate of fetal exposure than expected.