New Research Highlights PFAS Impact on Breastfeeding
It is common knowledge that breastmilk is the best for babies, providing the essential nutrients and fats an infant needs in the first six months of life. Nothing compares to the bioactive factors that enhance an infant’s nervous and endocrine system—a mother’s diet heavily factors in her breastmilk’s nutritional composition and taste.
A balanced diet is generally recommended, but studies have shown that eating fatty fish increases DHA levels, which are best for an infant’s development. However, harmful chemicals can also be passed on to a child through breast milk, such as perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).
PFAS is a group of man-made chemicals widely used in various industrial and consumer products. It was first used worldwide during the 1940s. Its water, grease, and heat-resistant properties are ideal for nonstick-cookwares, food packaging, cosmetics, carpets, and more. It was given the term “forever chemicals” because of its innate ability to retain its form and not break down in outside environments, even after long periods. It was also an active component in the Aqueous Film-Forming Foam (AFFF) used by firefighters and military personnel to quell fuel fires.
There are various sub-compounds of PFAS, namely Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), all classified as cancerogenic or agents that can cause cancer by the National Cancer Institute. Since the application of these chemicals is widespread, intakes are almost unavoidable. A small dosage of PFAS contaminants is likely present in food and drinking water; over 90% of Americans have it in their blood, including children. At the same time, there are many studies linking PFAS exposures and its adverse effects on health among adults. The available scientific data regarding its effects on infants, pregnant women, and nursing mothers are sparse.
PFAS and its effect on mothers, breastmilk, and children
Huge volumes of PFAS residue have seeped into underground water sources primarily due to industrial waste and firefighting activities. This groundwater contamination has become a pollutant that affects many communities and significant bodies of water. So, say, a fish caught in one of the waterways with high levels of PFAS contamination makes its way to the dinner table of a pregnant woman or a nursing mother. She may unknowingly put her child at risk.
The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry confirms that an infant gets PFAS contamination through the ingestion of breast milk. Factors such as the PFAS levels in the mother’s system, i.e., blood, directly impact the dosage of PFAS that can be transferred to a child. In pregnant women, a recent study found links that these toxic chemicals can also be passed in utero through the placenta, which is alarming since these can heavily affect the child’s development and have adverse health effects such as low birth weight.
Research conducted by U.S. scientists is still limited, and the general public still needs clarification about how exactly PFAS binds with breastmilk; this represents a lost opportunity to create a framework for safety guidelines. However, an international study analyzed the concentrations of 16 PFAS in the maternal serum, cord serum, and breast milk samples from 1,076 mother-child pairs, which discovered that high concentrations of PFOA in breastmilk and PFOS in maternal serum potentially increased the likelihood of having birth defects. The gains still outweigh the risks, although no choice is given. Breastfeeding is still generally recommended among nursing mothers despite data showing clear evidence of these contaminants.
As we know, PFAS are everywhere; though we have glimpses of moving in the right direction, many companies are starting to look for or create PFAS-free alternatives. The FDA mandated manufacturers stop using these toxic compounds on their food packaging, which began in 2024. Health agencies advise pregnant women and nursing mothers to identify and avoid products containing PFAS. The proper steps are being taken, but they still need improvement.
Vigilance is still a must. These forever chemicals are not going anywhere. They’re still in the environment, and they’re not going to break down anytime soon.
Stan Gottfredson is President and CEO at Atraxia Law, a paralegal firm in San Diego, California, assisting individuals affected by toxic exposure.