I do applaud and share Sandra's belief that there is no substitute for
mother's milk and that we have to take seriously the contamination of toxic
chemicals.  I do have some comments.

Sandra writes, "When a new toxic chemical makes headlines, the focus is on
breast milk rather than cow's milk usually for good biological reasons." I
think this should be elaborated upon because I think many people do not
understand that human milk is being used as a sentinel for environmental
pollution.  Human milk is the canary in the mine shaft.  We, woman are
providing a public service to the government by providing our milk so that
researchers can understand the level of contamination in our environment.
What I rebel against is how this information is used and presented in the
media.  This information is a two-edged sword and I am thankful that Sandra
is there to present the more balanced picture.


Sandra states that, "Infant formula, for all it inferior qualities and evil
marketing, is basically free of organic pollutants because the fat in formula
comes from plant oils, not cow's milks."  Do we have studies that prove that
infant formula is basically free of organic pollutants?  Do we have studies
in regard to this issue that are done by independent researchers who are not
connected to the industries that benefit from formula production, including
the dairy industry?  Are assumptions made that since formula is made from
plant oils--most often coconut, palm and palm kernel--we have no reason for
concern about infant formula?  What about our water supplies?  In
reconstituting infant formula will a mother be assured that her infant isn't
getting any organic pollutants?  PCB's have been found in municipal drinking
water in the USA. Are we to assume that after September 11 in NY City
(burning computers, etc) that no PBDE's landed in someone's water supplies
(and we know this could be around the globe due to wind currents)?  While
formula itself may not have pollutants, one has to be concerned about the
water that is used to make the formula.  Do we even know the extent of the
problem for formula fed infants?  The problem would more than likely vary
from city to city.

If someone can provide me with a list of research done on toxins in infant
formula and the water in which it is constituted which shows that infant
formula is free of this problem, I will agree to Sandra's statement on this.
But I don't think anyone can provide me with such a list.  The testing of
human milk without similiar testing of infant formula places infant formula
as the gold standard in regard to these toxins.  This is a mistake that has
serious ramifications.  Valerie W. McClain, IBCLC

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