Manmade crud found in mothers’ milk
And we'll do what?
Tastes like polymerized tetrafluoroethylene, mom
Chemicals used to make nonstick cookware and stain-resistant fabrics are spreading around the world and turning up in surprising places, everywhere from wildlife and drinking water supplies to human blood. Now, a team of researchers has found these suspected carcinogens in samples of human milk from nursing mothers in Massachusetts.
“Perfluorinated compounds, or PFCs, are found in human blood around the world, including the blood of newborns, but this is the first study in the United States to document their occurrence in human milk,” says Kathleen Arcaro… “While nursing does not expose infants to a dose that exceeds recommended limits, breast milk should be considered as an additional source of PFCs when determining a child’s total exposure…”
PFCs are persistent chemicals that can linger in the environment and the human body for years without being broken down. Several studies have documented their presence in the blood of newborns collected immediately after birth, and in children between the ages of 2 and 12, who have blood levels similar to those found in adults.
But, but…our corporate thoughtminders and their flunkies tell us we needn’t be especially concerned. Our government ensures a continuous supply of safe food.
Posted: Fri - May 2, 2008 at 10:07 AM