PFAS in Breast Milk
Concerning Trends for Current-Use PFAS
The study found PFAS “forever chemicals” in 100% of breast milk samples tested and that newer PFAS build up in people.
This peer-reviewed study was published in Environmental Science & Technology on May 13, 2021 and was authored by Toxic-Free Future Science Director Erika Schreder and scientists at Indiana University, the University of Washington, and Seattle Children’s Research Institute.
Support our original science and testing, and help us continue protecting people and the planet
Our award-winning video
Summary
This study, the first since 2004 to analyze PFAS in breast milk from mothers in the United States, found that 50 out of 50 women tested positive for PFAS, with levels ranging from 52 parts per trillion (ppt) to more than 500 ppt. Breast milk samples were tested for 39 different PFAS, including nine current-use compounds. Results found that both current-use and phased-out PFAS contaminate breast milk, exposing nursing infants to the effects of toxic chemicals. A total of 16 PFAS were detected with 12 found in more than 50% of the samples. The levels of PFAS that are currently in use in a wide range of products are rising in breast milk.
Check out our video, fact sheet, and press release for more.
From the Experts
“We now know that babies, along with nature’s perfect food, are getting toxic PFAS that can affect their immune systems and metabolism. We shouldn’t be finding any PFAS in breast milk and our findings make it clear that broader phaseouts are needed to protect babies and young children during the most vulnerable stages of life. Moms work hard to protect their babies, but big corporations are putting these, and other toxic chemicals that can contaminate breast milk, in products when safer options are available.”
Erika Schreder
Toxic-Free Future science director and study co-author
“These findings make it clear that the switch to newer PFAS over the last decade didn’t solve the problem. This study provides more evidence that current-use PFAS are building up in people. What this means is that we need to address the entire class of PFAS chemicals, not just legacy-use variations.”
Dr. Amina Salamova
Study co-author and associate research scientist at Indiana University
“Exposures to PFAS can weaken our immune system, making a person more vulnerable to infectious diseases. It is especially concerning to see exposures happening through bioaccumulation in breast milk, which then exposes a nursing child during a critical period of development.”
Dr. Sheela Sathyanarayana
Study co-author and associate professor of pediatrics at the University of Washington and Seattle Children’s Research Institute
Featured in
Research Series: Toxic-Free Future breast milk studies
Across five published studies, Toxic-Free Future research has detected endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), PFAS, toxic flame retardants, quaternary ammonium compounds, and other chemicals in breast milk samples from 50 women.
The findings point to widespread exposure from everyday products and materials, and reinforce the need for stronger policies and safer solutions that prevent harmful chemicals from getting into people in the first place.
Endocrine-disrupting chemicals in breast milk (2026)
This 2026 peer-reviewed study by Toxic-Free Future, Seattle Children’s Research Institute, and Emory University found bisphenols, melamine, and triclosan in breast milk samples from women in the United States. The findings point to widespread exposure from plastics and everyday products, and underscore the need to prevent harmful chemicals from getting into people in the first place.
Toxic flame retardants in breast milk (2023)
This 2023 peer-reviewed study by Toxic-Free Future, Emory University, and Seattle Children’s Research Institute found toxic flame retardants in the breast milk of U.S. mothers. The study found unregulated flame retardants in breast milk for the first time, while levels of banned flame retardants are decreasing, showing both the need for stronger safeguards and the impact of policy action.
Quats in breast milk (2022)
This first-of-its-kind 2022 study by Toxic-Free Future, Indiana University, and Seattle Children’s Research Institute found quats, the active chemicals in many disinfectant cleaners, frequently detected in breast milk. The findings raise concerns about exposure to chemicals widely used in cleaning and disinfecting products.
PFAS in breast milk (2021)
This 2021 study, the first since 2004 to analyze PFAS in breast milk from mothers in the United States, found PFAS in all 50 breast milk samples tested. The findings showed that these persistent “forever chemicals” are getting into people during vulnerable life stages and reinforced the need to phase out PFAS in products.
Organophosphate plasticizers and flame retardants in breast milk (2021)
This 2021 peer-reviewed study by Toxic-Free Future and partners found organophosphate esters, chemicals used as plasticizers and flame retardants, in breast milk. The findings showed that breastfeeding can be an important exposure pathway for infants and added to concerns about chemicals commonly found in indoor environments and consumer products.
