Chemicals found in Seattle breast milk study

Study finds hormone-disrupting chemicals in Seattle breast milk samples

8 reported

A peer-reviewed study found that breast milk samples from mothers in Seattle contain hormone-disrupting chemicals including BPA, BPS, melamine, cyanuric acid, and triclosan. About 92% of 50 samples were contaminated with at least one of the anti-microbials or plasticizers tested. The same samples had previously been found to contain PFAS and flame retardants. Lead author Ryan Babadi of the Toxic Free Future nonprofit said the cocktail is concerning for infants and children undergoing rapid development. Babadi emphasized that breastfeeding remains the healthiest choice for infants, as many of the same chemicals are also found in formula. The study noted limitations including a small sample size and participants who were broadly more educated and higher-income. Some compounds were found at levels below the World Health Organization’s tolerable daily intake, but at levels previous research linked to disease.

What’s reported

50 breast milk samples from Seattle were tested.

92% of samples contained at least one anti-microbial or plasticizer.

BPA found in 74% of samples; BPS in 78%; triclosan in 62%; melamine in 92%.

The study is among the first to detect melamine along with multiple other classes of endocrine-disrupting chemicals in breast milk.

Previous research has linked BPS to lower weight in young children and BPA to impaired neurodevelopment, asthma, and obesity.

The study’s authors note a limitation in its small sample size and that participants were broadly more educated and higher-income.

Some compounds were found below the WHO’s tolerable daily intake level but at levels shown to cause disease in prior research.

The article states the Trump EPA has moved to undo limits on toxic chemicals and carcinogens, and Congress is considering gutting laws around toxic chemicals.