Canadian researchers sound the alarm: concentrations of these chemicals in breast milk are higher than those recorded in water
Don't store avocado like this: it's dangerousPerfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (better known as PFAS) are chemical compounds used for the production of many products of daily use (pots and pans, clothing, household and personal hygiene products ...) for their non-stick, water repellent and heat and flame resistance properties. Unfortunately, however, these are highly harmful substances for our body, as they cause serious diseases such as cancer, chronic diseases, endocrine malfunctions and malformations in fetuses.
There are numerous studies that have confirmed the presence of PFAS in our blood and urine, but little research has been done so far to analyze the levels of these chemicals in breast milk. Now, researchers from the Canadian University of Montreal have summarized all the studies carried out so far on the presence of PFAS in breast milk.
The researchers started with three studies conducted in Canada and the United States, which analyzed a total of 162 breast milk samples, and developed a model using the global ratios of breast serum versus milk concentrations in the published literature to estimate concentrations. in breast milk of four PFAS (PFOA, PFOS, PFHxS and PFNA). They then compared the values obtained with those collected by analyzing the drinking water of the regions where the mothers who participated in the study live.
Compared to the values recorded in drinking water, the concentrations of PFOA and PFOS in breast milk would be up to two times higher; on the contrary, the percentages of PFHxS and PFNA in milk were lower than the screening values for drinking water.
These results, which demonstrate clear contamination of breast milk by these chemicals, should not, however, discourage new mothers and push them to give up breastfeeding. As the authors of this study also point out, the health benefits of breastfeeding for babies are well established.
Certainly, this study is the first important step towards a more complete analysis of the contamination of breast milk by very harmful chemicals: further research will be needed, as well as a broadening of the research base, to understand the extent of the problem. and what are the risks for the little ones.
Follow your Telegram | Instagram | Facebook | TikTok | Youtube
Fonti: University of Montreal / Environmental Health Perspectives
We also recommend:
- Pfas in breast milk: new study shows universal and very worrying contamination
- Pfas seriously harm the health of newborns and pregnant women. The study conducted in Veneto
- We defend breast milk (and our babies) from toxic chemicals
