[Occupational exposures, diet and storing: Recommendations to reduce environmental pollutants in breastfeeding]

An Pediatr (Engl Ed). 2021 Apr;94(4):261.e1-261.e9. doi: 10.1016/j.anpedi.2021.01.017. Epub 2021 Feb 27.
[Article in Spanish]

Abstract

The pollution of the planet also reaches the breastfeeding ecosystem, one of the most intimate and inviolable that links us as an animal species to the rest of mammals. Nursing mothers may be concerned about whether the quality of their milk will be adequate for their baby and whether environmental pollutants through work, diet, and storing may adversely affect their child. Breast milk is a source of exposure to environmental pollutants, and at the same time it counteracts much of the effects of these exposures. An approach based on the principles of reality and precaution of environmental health to avoid, reduce or eliminate the production and use of harmful chemicals during pregnancy and lactation would improve the human and planetary health for the offspring.

Keywords: Breast feeding; Chemical safety; Contaminantes medioambientales; Environmental health; Environmental pollutants; Lactancia materna; Occupational health; Salud laboral; Salud medioambiental; Seguridad química.

MeSH terms

  • Breast Feeding
  • Diet*
  • Ecosystem
  • Environmental Pollutants* / analysis
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Milk, Human* / chemistry
  • Occupational Exposure*
  • Pregnancy

Substances

  • Environmental Pollutants