EVEN BREAST MILK IS CONTAMINATED

 

The first thing we were fed when we came into this world, it is supposed to be the healthiest food; breast-milk. This is the one that protects a baby from infections, strengthen the bones and boosts immunity. And where have we come now?

PFAS - polyfluoroalkyl substances. Yes, that is the culprit of this case.

A new study performed in America, took 50 samples of breast-milk from American women to check for the contamination of PFAS. The result was that in all 50 samples there were PFAS at levels nearly 2,000 times higher than the level some public health advocates advise is safe for drinking water. A review of over a dozen studies has revealed a potential threat to the health of newborns. The findings raise concerns about the safety of the infants.

“The study shows that PFAS contamination of breast milk is likely universal in the US, and that these harmful chemicals are contaminating what should be nature’s perfect food,” said Erika Schreder, a co-author and science director with Toxic Free Future, a Seattle-based non-profit that pushes industry to find alternatives to the chemicals.

What are PFAS?

PFAS are those which used to make fluoropolymer products that resist various types of liquids and heat. Fluoropolymer coatings can be used in such products as clothing, furniture, adhesives, food packaging, heat-resistant non-stick cooking surfaces, and the insulation of electrical wire. They are connected to malignant growth, birth deserts, liver sickness, thyroid infection, diving sperm tallies and a scope of other genuine medical issues.

In spite of the fact that analysts are worried by the discoveries, infants are hard to concentrate so there has not been an intensive examination of what PFAS mean for them, said Sheela Sathyanarayana, a co-creator of the investigation and pediatrician with the College of Washington. 

In any case, she added that investigations of more established kids and grown-ups have connected the synthetic compounds to hormonal disturbances and recommends PFAS hurt the resistant framework, which could be particularly tricky for newborn children since breast milk supports their safe framework.

The evidence additionally indicates that the issue is aggravating. The examination is the first in the US since 2005 to check breast milk tests, and shows an expansion in the more current age of PFAS, while more established mixtures that were eliminated by industry are as yet present, and some at undeniable levels. 

The examination likewise analyzed breast milk information from around the world and discovered PFAS discovery recurrence is expanding. 

Among steps that the creators prescribe pregnant ladies and moms take to ensure themselves are keeping away from greaseproof carryout food bundling, smudge watches like ScotchGard, waterproof apparel that utilizes PFAS, and cooking items with Teflon or comparable non-stick properties, however makers frequently don't unveil the synthetics' utilization.