As part of a larger project monitoring environmental dioxins in
Australia, a project measuring milk levels has released its recent
results. The report can be found at:

http://www.deh.gov.au/industry/chemicals/dioxins/report-10/index.html

Excerpted:
"In summary, the levels of PCDD/PCDFs and PCBs in the breast milk of
Australian women are both similar across all regions of Australia and
low by international standards. Consistent with worldwide trends, the
levels of dioxin-like compounds have decreased over a ten-year period
from 1993 to 2003 by approximately 60%. It should be noted that it is
the advice of the WHO and the National Health and Medical Research
Council (NHMRC) in Australia, that breast milk is the best food for
babies. Breast milk may contain low levels of dioxins because of its
fat content, but all babies are exposed to dioxins even if they are not
breastfed. Alternative foods for babies, such as infant formula, may
also contain dioxins because they may also contain fat. Several studies
around the world in areas where dioxin levels are known to be high have
still shown that breastfed babies are healthier than those fed infant
formula."

Lara Hopkins

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