Recreational drugs and environmental contaminants in mother 's milk

Abstract

In Germany and many other countries breast milk contamination in particular with persistent organochlorines and lead declined substantially by 50-70% or more during the last decade. Generally also mercury compounds, cadmium and other environmental contaminants do not pose a toxic threat to the fully breast fed infant, which, according to the current knowledge, could outweigh the advantages of breast-feeding. Industrial regions, large cities and frequent consumption of contaminated fish are factors still positively correlated with elevated breast milk contamination. However, recent study results do not support routine measurement of milk contaminants for decision making on prolonged breast-feeding (more than 4-6 months). Exposure to recreational drugs including tobacco smoking and alcohol drinking is preventable. In case of ongoing abuse decisions on breast-feeding restrictions must be taken individually.