New research found dangerous hormone-disrupting chemicals, including BPA, BPS, melamine, and triclosan, in 92% of US breast milk samples. These chemicals pose a serious risk to infants' development, and experts say regulators are failing to curb their widespread use.
The presence of widespread hormone-disrupting chemicals in breast milk poses a significant risk to infant development, highlighting a systemic issue with chemical use and regulation in the United States.
Dangerous hormone-disrupting chemicals, including BPA, BPS, melamine, cyanuric acid, and triclosan, have been detected in breast milk samples from mothers in Seattle, according to new peer-reviewed research. The study found that approximately 92% of the 50 samples contained at least one of these chemicals, which are known to interfere with critical hormones essential for infant development and can be harmful even at low exposure levels.
These findings add to previous research that identified PFAS "forever chemicals" and flame retardants, also endocrine disruptors, in the same milk samples. Ryan Babadi, a lead author of the study and senior scientist at Toxic Free Future, expressed concern, particularly for infants and children who are in critical developmental stages orchestrated by the endocrine system. While breastfeeding remains the healthiest choice for infants, Babadi noted that many of these chemicals are also present in infant formulas, underscoring a widespread problem due to the extensive use of these compounds by chemical companies and a perceived failure by regulators to control their use.
Individual chemicals like BPA and BPS were found in 74% and 78% of samples, respectively, and are linked to developmental and reproductive harms, including lower weight in young children and impaired neurodevelopment. Triclosan was detected in 62% of samples, and melamine in 92%. Although research on the health impacts of chemical mixtures is limited, some studies have linked them to lower birth weight and size. The study authors acknowledged a small sample size and noted that some compounds were found below tolerable daily intake levels but still at potentially disease-causing concentrations.
Babadi emphasized that avoiding plastic products is insufficient to escape these ubiquitous chemicals. The study's results emerge as the Trump EPA is reportedly rolling back chemical regulations, a move Babadi believes will exacerbate exposures and negatively impact the health of both children and adults.