Preliminary study on bisphenol A levels and possible exposure history of mother and exclusively breastfed infant pairs.

Abstract

The aims of this study were to determine bisphenol A (BPA) levels in breast milk and urine specimens of healthy mother and exclusively breastfed infant pairs having no known BPA exposure, and also to examine the relationship between BPA levels and possible BPA exposure history. Forty mothers and their 1-2-month-old exclusively breastfeed infant were included in the study. The questionnaires about sociodemographic characteristics and possible BPA exposure history were filled out. Breast milk and urine samples were taken. BPA analyses of these samples were conducted using high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. All mother-infant pairs showed detectable BPA concentrations. The geometric means of BPA levels in breast milk, maternal urine, and infant urine were determined as 0.12μg/L (0.03-0.59), 0.12μg/L (0.03-0.73), and 0.13μg/L (0.02-0.44), respectively. Infants whose mothers were consuming yoghurt in plastic containers had relatively higher urinary BPA levels (p = 0.00). Mothers consuming hot beverages in plastic glass showed higher breast milk BPA levels (p = 0.033). There were no statistical associations between BPA levels and the use of plastic materials and tools (p > 0.05).Conclusion: The measurable BPA concentrations in all breast milk specimens of healthy mothers may reflect possible exposure from dietary or non-dietary sources. Exclusively, breastfed healthy infants without any known BPA exposure may be exposed to BPA from their mothers through breastfeeding. What is Known: • Fetuses, neonates and infants are exposed to BPA from their mothers through placental transfer and breastfeeding. • Breast milk is considered a continuous low-level exposure to BPA. What is New: • BPA was detected in 100% of maternal urine, infant urine, and breast milk in healthy mother-infant pairs having no known BPA exposure. • The measurable amount of BPA in breast milk and infant urine may reflect possible BPA exposure of mother-infant pairs.