News Coverage
Toxins in Breast Milk
Published October 9, 2003
The breast milk in some American mothers contains something besides nutrition: high levels of a toxic industrial flame retardant. Traces of brominated flame retardant, widely used in furniture cushions, computers, televisions, and carpets, were found in the breast milk of 47 women tested by University of texas researchers. Another study got similar results with the breast milk of 20 first-time mothers from 14 states. The levels of the chemical were on average 75 times higher than those found in recent European studies. Brominated flame retardants have been restricted in Europe, but in the U.S. only California limits their use. No direct research has been conducted on their health effects on humans, though animal studies have linked flame retardants to cancer, nervous-system disorders, and other health problems. The new findings don't mean women should stop breast feeding, researcher Lauren Sucher tells MSNBC.com, because breast milk has "so many advantages, despite the unfortunate news."