A new study shows that breastfeeding babies for a long period of time could lead them to be exposed to industrial chemicals.
The study, which was conducted by experts from the US Harvard School of Public Health said that infants are accumulating perfluorinated alkylate substances (PFASs) to their body when breastfeeding for a longer time. About 20% to 30% will be built up on their bodies for each month of breast feeding.
The research that was published in the journal Environmental Science and Technology proposes that chemical build-up are higher for those babies that took longer time in breastfeeding. For more than 60 years, PFASs are used for different applications in the industrial fields. It is commonly utilized for food packaging, paints, lubricants, stain-proof textiles and waterproof clothing. In the US, PFASs are considered a contaminant for drinking waters.
Inside the body, these compounds tend to suspend for a longer time because of its bioaccumulation in food chains. It is also linked with various ailments such as immune system suppression, endocrine disruption, and reproductive toxicity. Worldwide, the said chemicals are found consistently in human and animal blood.
According to the result of the research, most of the PFAS in babies are originated from the breast milk.
Philippe Grandjean, a professor of environmental health at Harvard Chan School pointed out that breastfeeding should be continued and US legislation should make some chemical testing especially in PFAS.
"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 stated.
Breast feeding is still the best way to make babies nutritious and healthy, according to WebMD. Breast milk is a great source of vitamins, proteins and minerals. These will aid babies for their proper growth and development. Breastfeeding is also said to be beneficial for both mother and the child.
