STUDY: Dr. Arnold Schecter from the University of Texas conducted the first ever comprehensive study of PBDEs in mother’s milk in 2002. By analyzing forty-seven samples of milk from two Texas milk banks, he determined that levels were from 10-100 times higher in the United States than in Europe where PBDEs are used less. In fact, median blood levels found in the U.S. population show an exposure of PBDEs similar to that of Swedish laborers who actually worked in factories that manufactured deca-PBDE-

treated rubber. U.S. levels are far higher than those that warranted banning the use of PBDEs in products in Sweden.

After looking at this study, I began to wonder if it was wise to breastfeed our babies. I called Dr. David Carpenter at the University Albany School of Public Health to get some answers. Here’s what he said:

Q: Given everything we know about PCBs and PBDEs, should we breastfeed our babies?

DR. CARPENTER: There is overwhelming evidence that breastfeeding has important benefits, improving immune function in the child, protecting against chronic diseases even when the child grows to adulthood, and promoting bonding between the mother and the child. While the presence of these contaminants in breast milk is not a good thing, under almost all circumstances breastfeeding has greater benefit than risk.