Food packaging chemicals found in breast milk

AMHERST, MASS.; May 6, 2008

A research team at the University of Massachusetts tested breast milk, and found 9 different chemicals used in making grease-resistant food packaging, shampoos & other personal care products, and items including cookware and clothing.

These compounds are called PFCs, or perfluorinated compounds.

They are suspected cancer-causing chemicals found in packaging such as microwave popcorn bags and pizza boxes. PFCs are even used in making dental floss.

The highest levels of PFCs found in the breast milk were for a chemical used to make stain-resistant clothing. The next highest levels were for PFOA, which is used in making non-stick cookware.

First-time moms had higher concentrations.

The amount of PFCs consumed by nursing infants didn't exceed government standards, however, those values were set in rodent studies, and may not apply to humans.