In response to recent discussion about the presence of toxins in human breast milk, please refer to an article I recently published entitled, 
" Parents worried about breast milk contamination:  What is best for baby?"

The bottom line is that undoubtedly, nearly all women have some levels of environmental contaminants in their milk due to exposure to lipid soluble persistent chemicals over their lifetimes.  Also, when a mother is exposed to chemicals in the workplace or at home, she is likely to absorb and distribute these chemicals to breast milk to some extent.  However, the benefits of breast milk (immunological protection, nutrition, reduced morbidity and mortality) far exceed the low level risks.  

Chemical levels in breast milk are generally low, and women should be advised about how to reduce exposures that may affect  breast milk quality rather than turn to formula-feeding.  

The article provides information about maternal exposures and ways that health care providers can ask the right questions about potential exposures that may affect breast milk quality.  In addition, it provides guidance about how mothers can assess and reduce their exposures of concern.  

Please contact me privately regarding specific questions or for a copy of the paper if you do not have access to a medical library, where you should be able to find the volume.
  
J. Schreiber, 2001.  Parents worried about breast milk contamination:  What is best for baby? Pediatric Clinics of North America, volume 48, number 5, 1113-1127.   

Sincerely, 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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