Toxic Chemicals in Breast Milk
Concerning Trends for Current-Use PFAS
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. The study found PFAS “forever chemicals” in 100% of breast milk samples tested and that newer PFAS build up in people.
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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.
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