Breast-feeding exposure of infants to selected pesticides: a public health viewpoint

Abstract

In this paper, we provide an overview of the public health implications of exposure to some pesticides via breast milk and provide health-based guidance. The presence of organochlorine pesticides in breast milk has been documented in many studies around the world. Included in our review are aldrin/dieldrin, chlordane, 1,1,1-trichloro-2,2-bis(p-chlorophenyl) ethane (DDT)/1,1-dichloro-2,2-bis(p-chlorophenyl)ethylene (DDE), endrin, hexachlorobenzene (HCB), and hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH). Toxicological and environmental data on these chemicals are compiled in toxicological profiles published by the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR). Based on the data, ATSDR derives chemical-specific minimal risk levels (MRLs) that assist in evaluating public health risks associated with exposure. MRLs are health-based guidance values designed to protect the most sensitive populations, including breast-fed infants. We compare MRLs and projected intakes from the breast milk for the listed pesticides, explore the possibilities of toxicological interactions, and provide health-based recommendations.

Breastfeeding in countries of the European Union and EFTA: current and proposed recommendations, rationale, prevalence, duration and trends

“…It is however important to remember that the benefits of breastfeeding to an overwhelming proportion outweigh the environmental hazards. A series of reviews has been published by US Department of Health and Human Services in Atlanta, providing a public health viewpoint to chlorinated dibenzodioxins and dibenzofurans 56 , cadmium, lead and mercury 57 and organochlorine pesticides 58 . It should of course be noted that smoking of the mother significantly adds to the other environmental risks mentioned here.…”

Adverse health effects of children's exposure to pesticides: What do we really know and what can be done about it

“…Pesticides and pesticide residues have been found in breast milk where these compounds are soluble in the milk fat [17, 18]. Breast milk not only contains pesticides that are spread near the residence or workplace of the mothers but may also originate from food from foreign areas [19].…”

“…To assess the exposure to pesticides and the associated risks is a challenging task [13]. In epidemiological studies, the commonly used exposure measures are survey [22], survey combined with visual observation [23], monitoring of pesticides and/or metabolites in urine [24], analyses of ambient air or blood serum, and evaluation of absorption from dermal exposure [25], whereas analyses of breast milk and umbilical cord blood are rather uncommon [18]. Potential indicators of pesticide exposures to children include the levels in environmental air, water, soil, house dust, and food.…”

The National Children's Study of environmental effects on child health and development.

“…Furthermore, other exogenous chemicals such as alcohol, nicotine, and caffeine can be found in breast milk (Golding 1997), and the potential adverse effects of exposure to these compounds via this route is still under investigation. Comprehensive lists of breast milk contaminants can be found elsewhere (Golding 1997;Jensen 1983;Pohl and Tylenda 2000;Rogan 1996).…”