Some chemicals used in cosmetology are volatile and can cause exposure of the mother by inhalation.  Once inhaled, it is likely that the lipid soluble chemicals can be retained in the maternal blood stream and fat stores, and then mobilized to breast milk along with fat transport.

The degree to which they may be present in breast milk is related to the magnitude in air, lipid solubility and metabolism.  The best choice is to avoid exposure;  minimizing exposure is the next best by providing adequate ventilation in the workplace (easier said than done) and engaging in good industrial hygiene practices (covering solvent containers for example).  The presence of odors is not always a reliable indicator of exposure magnitude, but if odors are present then there is likely substantial airborne exposure.

Even so, breast milk is preferred over infant formula.  Keep those exposure levels low as much as possible, and avoid dermal contact.

Contact me privately if you'd like to discuss further. These comments are my own and do not reflect policy of the NYS Office of the Attorney General. 

Judy Schreiber





Judith S. Schreiber, Ph.D.
Senior Public Health Scientist
Office of the Attorney General
Bureau of Environmental Protection
The Capitol
Albany NY 12224
518-474-4819 desk
518-474-9267 sec
518-473-2534 fax
email [log in to unmask]  

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