Dangerous hormone-disrupting chemicals found in US breast milk samples
A new study found that 92% of breast milk samples from Seattle contained hormone-disrupting chemicals like BPA, BPS, melamine, and triclosan, posing risks to infant development. Researchers warn of systemic regulatory failures.
New peer-reviewed research has detected alarming levels of hormone-disrupting chemicals in breast milk samples collected from mothers in Seattle. The study found that approximately 92% of 50 samples were contaminated with at least one antimicrobial or plasticizer, including bisphenol A (BPA), bisphenol S (BPS), melamine, triclosan, and cyanuric acid.
These chemicals pose a serious risk to infants as they can interfere with hormones critical for proper development. The same samples had previously been found to contain potentially dangerous levels of PFAS "forever chemicals" and flame retardants, also known endocrine disruptors.
Ryan Babadi, lead author of the study and senior scientist at the nonprofit Toxic Free Future, emphasized that the findings are particularly concerning because they affect the most vulnerable group — infants and children — whose development is orchestrated by the endocrine system. While breastfeeding remains the healthiest choice for infants, Babadi noted that the results highlight a widespread systemic problem, as chemical companies use these compounds extensively and regulators fail to control them.
Specific findings include BPA in 74% of samples, BPS in 78%, triclosan in 62%, and melamine in 92%. Epidemiological studies link these chemicals to developmental and reproductive harms, including lower birth weight, neurodevelopmental issues, asthma, and obesity.
Researchers acknowledge limitations: the small sample size and that participants were generally more educated and higher-income. Some compounds were found at levels below the World Health Organization's tolerable daily intake, but previous research shows such levels may still cause disease.
The results come as the Trump administration's Environmental Protection Agency pursues a multi-pronged attack on chemical regulations, seeking to undo limits on many toxic substances. Babadi warned that weakening regulations would worsen existing exposures and harm not only children but also adults and communities.
