Breastfeeding is generally considered the best form of nutrition for infants, providing essential nutrients and immune protection. However, recent studies have highlighted potential risks associated with per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) contamination in mothers.

PFAS are synthetic chemicals used in various consumer products for their water and stain-resistant properties. These substances are linked to numerous health issues, including cancer, weakened immune systems, and developmental problems. Due to their persistence in the environment and bioaccumulative nature, PFAS are often referred to as “forever chemicals.”

A Silent Contamination

The main sources of PFAS exposure for breastfeeding mothers include contaminated drinking water, food packaging, and household products such as non-stick cookware and stain-resistant fabrics. Once these chemicals enter the body, they can persist for a long time, gradually accumulating over the years.

Scientists from the University of Valencia, Spain, conducted a short study on a dozen breastfeeding mothers to study the quality of their milk. PFAS, specifically perfluoroheptanoic acid (PFHpA) and perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDA), were found in the milk of 7 out of 10 women!

PFAS Transfer from Mother to Child

The contamination of mothers raises concerns about the possible contamination of breastfed babies.

A study published in Environmental Science & Technology confirmed that exclusively breastfed infants, who consume only breast milk, have significant levels of PFAS in their blood. This study noted that these PFAS concentrations in infants’ blood sometimes exceeded the levels found in their mothers’ blood.

Another study highlighted by Live Science and conducted by scientists from the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health clarified this mode of contamination. It revealed that PFAS levels in breastfed infants increased by about 20% to 30% each month of breastfeeding. Thus, infants’ exposure is cumulative and growing over the months of breastfeeding, which could have lasting health impacts.

The implications for the health of infants exposed to PFAS are still being studied, but there is increasing evidence of potential risks. High levels of PFAS in infants have been associated with lower birth weights, developmental delays, and altered immune responses.

PFAS transfer from mother to infant during breastfeeding

Infant Formula May Not Be a Better Solution

While breastfeeding remains the most recommended infant nutrition option, alternatives such as formula also pose risks. According to La Leche League International, some infant formulas contain PFAS, potentially exposing infants to these harmful chemicals even if they are not breastfed. The study conducted in the Valencia region mentioned above analyzed the presence of PFAS in four brands of infant formulas. It confirmed the presence of PFAS, specifically perfluorobutanoic acid (PFBA) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), in 100% of the samples tested!

Stay Alert, Keep Your Child Safe

Breastfeeding remains the best option for infant nutrition, given its benefit-risk ratio, which is far superior to that of infant formula.

It is also important to understand that PFAS contamination, if it remains below the commonly accepted risk thresholds, will not necessarily cause health problems for the child. The European HBM4EU scientific program has set these thresholds at 6.9 μg/L in the blood of future mothers, which would keep breast milk below the 17.5 μg/L PFAS threshold considered critical for the infant.

Whatever their choice – breastfeeding or formula, the first thing for mothers planning to have a child is to understand the overall PFAS issue:

It cannot be emphasized enough: Knowledge is Power. So, stay tuned to our blog regularly, and in advance, we wish you all the best for the upcoming happy event!

Our Solutions to Avoid PFAS

Sources :

  1. Perfluoroalkyl substances in Breast milk, infant formula and baby food from Valencian Community (Spain), ScienceDirect
  2. PFASs: What can we learn from the European Human Biomonitoring Initiative HBM4EU, ScienceDirect
  3. Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) in Breast Milk: Concerning Trends for Current-Use PFAS, ACS Publications
  4. ‘Am I going to regret it?’: forever chemicals dilemma for breastfeeding mothers, The Guardian
  5. Breastfeeding as an Exposure Pathway for Perfluorinated Alkylates, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health
  6. Breast-Fed Babies Show Buildup of Potentially Harmful Chemical, Live Science
  7. Breastfeeding and ‘Forever Chemicals’, La Leche League International

*Image de Freepik