Sorry to say that, yes, the mom exposed to gasoline and diesel is likely to have elevated levels of petroleum hydrocarbons in her milk because these chemicals are readily absorbed and lipophilic (fat soluable).

The degree to which they will be present depends on the magnitude of the exposure (via inhalation, ingestion and dermal contact) and the duration of the exposure.  If she takes this job, the mom should try to minimize her exposures by having plentiful ventilation and avoiding dermal contact.  Unfortunately, avoiding exposures may be difficult (the note did not say much about what work she would be doing there), and further exposure of the infant is likely via mom's exhaling these volatile chemicals at home and the baby inhaling them. 

None-the-less, it is still better to breast feed the baby than provide infant formula. See my chapter on "Transport of organic chemicals to breast milk" in Environmental Toxicology and Pharmacology of Human Development
Sam Kacew and George Lambert, Eds., Taylor & Francis Publ, 1997.

The bottom line, (see page137 of chapter), is that dispite chemicals in breast milk, it is almost always better for the baby than infant formula:

"Ideally, providing uncontaminated air, water, and food including breast milk is the best choice to protect the public from unwanted chemical exposures and risks.  Protection of the mother from hazardous exposures both in the workplace and at home is key to promoting maximum purity of breast milk". 

Contact me directly if you would like to discuss the situation further, or if you would like a copy of the chapter.  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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