Skip to main content
U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Testing for polychlorinated biphenyls in human milk

Journal Article · · Pediatrics; (United States)
OSTI ID:5498777
Reports of polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) contamination of human milk have raised questions about the possible risks of breast-feeding and whether nursing mothers ought to have their breast milk tested. Current data on contamination of human milk are needed so that pediatricians can make informed recommendations about breast milk testing and breast-feeding. With consideration of recent findings of PCB contamination of human milk in Michigan, recommendations concerning breast milk testing and breast-feeding are made. No major changes in current breast-feeding practices are advised. However, breast milk testing is recommended for certain nursing mothers who have had potentially high exposure to PCBs. Limiting the duration of breast-feeding may also be advisable for mothers with high PCB milk fat levels in order to reduce infant exposure to PCBs.
OSTI ID:
5498777
Journal Information:
Pediatrics; (United States), Journal Name: Pediatrics; (United States) Vol. 68:3; ISSN PEDIA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English