Is breast milk contaminated?

Dioxins are persistent organic environmental pollutants. More than 90% of human exposure occurs through food, primarily meat, dairy products, fish, and seafood [1]. 

Mercury is found in larger fish (tuna, swordfish, etc.). Try to limit the consumption of these fish.

DDT (dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane) are pesticides that were used for agricultural purposes. They are now banned, but traces of DDT can still be found in soil and water, and therefore in food.

PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls) are persistent organic pollutants that accumulate in various environments, particularly in soil. Food is the main source of PCB exposure (90% of total exposure), and they are found primarily in animal-derived products: fish, meat, eggs, and dairy products [2].

An American researcher followed women and their babies for more than 15 years. He attempted to estimate the impact of exposure to pollutants — in particular PCBs and DDT — through breastfeeding, in terms of life expectancy. Breastfed babies exposed to pollutants saw their life expectancy decrease by an average of 3 days, compared to 70 days for non-breastfed babies [3].

As the La Leche League points out: "Breastfeeding reduces the need for dairy products, as well as the need for raw materials and the pollution caused by the manufacture, transport and use of industrial infant formula. Breastfeeding requires no water to prepare and clean bottles, and no fuel to heat that water. It reduces the prevalence of illness, and therefore the use of medicines. It is also a factor in demographic regulation."

The highest levels of pollutants were found in women with their first baby, women who smoke and those who regularly consume alcoholic drinks, and older women. Levels decrease as lactation progresses. It is advisable to try to maintain a relatively stable weight, so as not to mobilise fat reserves, where pollutants are traditionally stored [4], [5]. To avoid heavy metals, it may also be recommended to consume sufficient calcium, which could help limit the transfer of lead (which is stored in the bones) [6].

Reduce animal fats, especially non-organic ones (organic in moderation is fine), as their fat concentrates fat-soluble pollutants. Avoid large fish, which are the most likely to be contaminated by PCBs and mercury (for example, tuna, which concentrates mercury, a heavy metal that is particularly harmful to hormonal health, fertility, and pregnancy). 

Eat fibre to help eliminate these compounds more easily.  

Eat organic whenever possible (even if not all fruit and vegetables are equal in this regard). Wash fruit and vegetables thoroughly, especially if they are not organic.

To find out more about this topic, have a look at our article onpostpartum nutrition. 

Invest in a good tap water filter, as tap water is unfortunately far from clean (heavy metals, medication residues, agricultural pesticides, chlorine…). Avoid drinking water from plastic bottles — opt for a metal or glass flask instead.

Avoid kitchen items such as non-stick pans or baking paper (as non-stick coatings are endocrine disruptors). Opt instead for stainless steel or cast iron pans, and glass oven dishes greased directly to avoid using baking paper…

Be careful with new furniture, especially budget pieces with wood panels for example — opt for second-hand items and restore them instead.

Be cautious with new-build homes, as construction and renovation materials contain many endocrine disruptors. 

Clean with natural products (vinegar, bicarbonate of soda, etc.), use "green" laundry detergents (no toxic stain removers — stubborn stains will just have to stay), and be mindful of paint if you are doing any work on your home… 

Ventilate daily

Avoid excessive or rapid weight loss during breastfeeding. If you lose weight too quickly, pollutants stored in fat tissue can be rapidly released into the bloodstream. In any case, breastfeeding and weight loss diet-based approaches are not compatible, as you risk not consuming all the essential nutrients for yourself and your baby. 

Check the ingredients of any products applied to the nipples carefully. Breast milk will always be preferable to creams.

Switch to organic cosmetics, free from BPA, parabens and phthalates.