Publication Date
4-7-2007
Abstract
Concern over contaminants in human milk is persuading some women to stop nursing and switch to formula. Ironically, in an effort to protect their baby from pollutants detected in breast milk, many women may forgo the benefits of breastfeeding and expose their offspring to potential contaminants in formula and cow’s milk. Similarly, consumers wary of municipal drinking water supplies are purchasing bottled water despite the lack of standards for bottled water. Breast milk and municipal drinking water supplies are more closely scrutinized than their more expensive alternatives, formula and bottled water. Most studies documenting the presence of pollutants in breast milk or water supplies were not conceived with the general public in mind and therefore do not address the type and level of pollutants in the alternatives: formula, cow’s milk and bottled water. Popular reporting of these scientific studies, including our own, are leaving mothers and other consumers fearful of the health effects of known and unknown pollutants in breast milk and drinking water. Are their fears justified? We will discuss research on pollutants in breast milk and drinking water supplies with an emphasis on endocrine disruptive contaminants. Our goal is to provide insight into whether the levels of contaminants currently detected in drinking water and breast milk pose a genuine health risk for infants and young children.