Julie: Dr. Hale already made some comments on this subject, but I have a few things to add. Although it is true that environmental pollutants are stored in fat tissues and can be mobilized during breastfeeding, the only cases of adverse effects reported in the literature are from massive exposures. There have been other studies (and I promise to get my hands on them and post the references) that have shown no increased incidence of developmental problems or cancers among breastfed babies living in the same communities, exposed to the same pollutants as their bottle-fed counterparts. In fact, one study by Davis actually demonstrated lower rates of lymphoma and other cancers among breastfed babies. There are many reasons why this may be true. Firstly, there may be other factors in breastfeeding which negate the harmful effects of any pollutants transmitted. Secondly, the period of time of greatest transfer of pollutants is in the first few months, a relatively short period in an individual's lifetime. Thirdly, since breastfed babies have been demonstrated to be leaner than bottle-fed ones, they have a relatively lower amount of fat tissue in which to store pollutants. As for Dr. Hale's concern about this issue becoming public knowledge, I recall reports in the media as long ago as the '70's and early '80's. When women are asked why they chose not to breastfeed, they don't usually give environmental pollutants in breast milk as one of the reasons. The media reports went away, without making any impact, because there was no evidence of adverse effects in the general population. The same would likely occur today, especially in light of studies showing improved development and decreased cancers. One final comment has to do with Dr. Hale's appeal for cleaning up the environment. In my talks to prospective parents, I never fail to point out the environmental destruction and increased pollution associated with ABM production and packaging. It's ironic that some of the dioxin that ends up in mothers' milk comes from the disposal of plastic baby bottles. So what do we advise mothers? I believe that any mother with high exposure (e.g. at the workplace) should have her milk tested. Other mothers with routine low-grade exposures need only follow a few guidelines: avoid rapid weight loss during lactation (more than 1 lb/week); avoid seafood from known contaminated waters (health departments usually have that local info). Hope this helps. Alicia. [log in to unmask]