In a message dated 11/9/01 2:18:34 PM, [log in to unmask] writes:

<< http://news.bbc.co.uk/hi/english/health/newsid_1644000/1644446.stm >>

Hi Heather,
Thanks for sharing, The site and journal article were very easy to access.
The study seems well designed and done. Briefly and on first perusal it
investigates the link between elevated postnatal maternal/infant pcb levels
and infant neuro development at various times up to about 4 years of age,
using at least 2 different developmental tests. These were all then related
to duration of breastfeeding ....with the longer duration resulting in higher
levels and sometimes lower developmental scores. I say sometimes because
these scores were also related to a "home" score meant to reflect the quality
ie. providing appropriate dev stimuli in the home and where the home scores
were high the developmental delay was reduced or eliminated.
Obviously the study is scary because it does seem to suggest that postnatal
exposure to high levels of pcbs via breastmilk (levels were 5xhigher than in
the non breastfed) can affect infant neurodevelopment.
What we don't know is; the degree to which the postnatal vs. prenatal
exposure is a factor, HOW these pcbs affect brain development and how to
factor all of this into an accurate risk/benefit ratio. In other words, what
is the degree of risk?  How does this risk differ between dyads? Can we
perhaps at some point say that pcb exposure to the developing brain
conceivably drops the IQ by (hypothetical) two points but the benefits still
offer a 5 pt advantage not to mention the myriad remaining health benefits to
both? I don't know but it certainly seems early to be offering up blanket
statements, like the one quoted by you and made in the BBC piece, suggesting
that pedis rethink their current brfdng reccs. Don't you think?
Interestingly the quote attributed to the (lead?) researcher isn't made in
the journal article or discussion that I could find. There are NO
reccommendations regarding breastfeeding made at all.
A very interesting subject.
Lynn Shea Rn,Bsn,Ibclc
Franklin,Massachusetts

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