Breastmilk harmful for babies? Study says mothers may be passing down harmful chemicals

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A new study has shown that babies who have been breastfed longer may have increased chances of being exposed to industrial chemicals called perfluorinated alkylate substances (PFASs).

The research by the US Harvard School of Public Health found that PFASs culminate by 20 to 30 percent for each month of breastfeeding in babies. This suggests that the industrial chemicals build-up is higher in babies who are breastfed longer. The findings are published in the journal Environmental Science & Technology.

According to a report by Medical News Today, PFASs are chemicals that are incorporated in everyday items such as lubricants, food packaging and waterproof clothing, to make the products stain, grease or water resistant. The research, which was led by Professor Philippe Grandjean and his colleagues, reveals that PFASs can stay in the body of humans and animals for a long time via the blood. The chemical compounds have been linked to immune system suppression, endocrine disruption and reproductive abnormalities.

According to Science Times, the study also found that breast milk is a source of PFAS in babies. However, the study results shouldn't faze breastfeeding parents.

"There is no reason to discourage breastfeeding, but we are concerned that these pollutants are transferred to the next generation at a very vulnerable age. Unfortunately, the current US legislation does not require any testing of chemical substances like PFASs for their transfer to babies and any related adverse effects," Grandjean explained.

Dr. Michael Warhurst from CHEM Trust, a campaign group, said that the production of PFASs is shocking and questioned why the compounds are still continued being produced or at all.

"We shouldn't forget that breastfeeding is the best option for babies, but it is shocking that the chemical industry's careless production of persistent chemicals is leading to this contamination," Warhurst said via Daily Mail. "Why has the chemical industry produced these chemicals at all? How is it possible that some are still in regular use, for example in microwave popcorn? Why have the UK and EU not already banned them? It's time governments got the actions of the chemical industry under control."

According to WebMD, breast milk is a great source of nutrition for babies and it includes vitamins, proteins, and minerals that are essential for their growth and development. Breastfeeding is beneficial for both mother and child as it is linked to lowering the baby's risk of common childhood diseases as well as lowered risk of breast and ovarian cancer for the mother.