Verontreiniging van moedermelk met gechloreerde koolwaterstoffen in Nederland, 1988

Exposure estimation of dioxins and furans for babies during the nursing period indicated levels above those acceptable as a lifelong daily dose. Nevertheless, mothers are still positively advised as to breastfeeding. The contamination levels of human milk are regularly being monitored to update this advice. In 1988 a survey on contaminants in human milk was carried out. Residues of polychlorinated organic compounds, polychlorobiphenyls (PCBs), dioxins and furans were measured. Comparison of Dutch and foreign levels of polychlorinated organic compounds in mother's milk, learned that values were similar. Levels of PCBs were lower in the Netherlands compared to levels measured in the northern part of Belgium. Dioxin levels in Dutch mother's milk were in accordance with levels found in Belgian, German and English milk samples. The percentage of milkfat was positively associated with the concentration of polychlorinated organic compounds in mother's milk. Furthermore, a clearly negative association was found between the concentration of polychlorinated organic compounds and the total number of breastfed children or the cumulated lactation period. Traditional omnivorous diet was associated with higher concentrations of polychlorinated organic compounds when compared to all other types of diet. Fish consumption, postpregnancy Quetelet Index and maternal age were positively associated with concentrations of polychlorinated organic compounds. The associations described above are in accordance with prior knowledge on chemical behaviour and environmental distribution patterns of the polychlorinated organic compounds measured in this study. The known benefits of breastfeeding will probably outweigh possible adverse effects of milk contaminated with polychlorinated organic compounds.