US mothers have flame retardant in their breast milk
The study was carried out on a small group and did not identify any health effects on babies.
These chemicals, bromine-based fire retardants can be found in furniture, computers, TVs, cars, photocopiers and also hair driers. Apparently, they build up in the body over the years.
The report stated that brominated fire retardants impair attention, learning, memory and behaviour in laboratory animals (at surprisingly low levels). The most sensitive time for toxic effects is when the brain is undergoing rapid development.
20 first time mothers across the US were tested. They found that the levels of retardant chemicals in the mothers was 75 times higher than a recent study that was carried out in Europe.
Many of these chemicals have been banned in Europe (but not in the USA). Only California and Maine have taken any measures to restrict the use of these chemicals.
Women should not stop breastfeeding as there is no proven link between the intake of these chemicals in breast milk and any problems in children.
SUA au mamele lor material ignifug în laptele matern - US mothers have flame retardant in their breast milk - articole medicale engleza - startsanatate