Microplastics are present virtually everywhere, including in drinking water, household products, and even in our brains. Often said, “The best part is the chest,” Mothers-to-be are understandably concerned about transmitting microplastics through breast milk.
Microplastics were named by Richard Thompson, a biologist who participated in a beach cleanup in 1993. After large plastics break down, they become smaller and more microscopic, resulting in microplastics. This is a concern for the environment and humans because plastics do not break down into organic matter.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention75% of U.S. mothers decided to breastfeed in 2023, but that number is decreasing every year. In 2019, 83% of new mothers were breastfeeding.
Breast milk has many health benefits. Studies have shown that it benefits newborns by protecting them from disease and lowering the mother’s risk of ovarian cancer. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends Breastfeeding for new mothers for babies for the first six months of their life.
According to research, pollutants like insecticide And breast milk contains chemicals. But with all the recent concerns about microplastics, should mothers be worried too?
Findings in breast milk
This is not the first time contaminants have been detected in breast milk. In fact, in 1951, Survey of 32 women Small amounts of the pesticide DDT were detected in 30 people.,eventually Banned in the US in 1972. Pesticides are related to cancerneurotoxicity, destruction of the endocrine, reproductive and immune systems.
Additionally, children’s products, cars, electronics, and furniture all contain brominated flame retardants (BFRs), a chemical that was found in breast milk in the 1970s.. Currently, BFR is found in placentawhich shows how deep it travels inside the body and affects the baby. In some European countries, Forbidden BFR To protect the environment and human health.
In 2022, Research finds plastic particlesalso known as microplastics, were present in 75% of the 34 types of breast milk studied. Other studies have found breast milk present in the placenta, heart tissue, brain, and blood.
The microplastics found in the study consisted of polyethylene, PVC, and polypropylene.
Microplastics are endocrine disruptor,In other words, hormone levels in the body It can affect reproductive and neurological health and alter learning and parenting behaviors.
Infants are incredibly susceptible to infection chemicals and plasticsHowever, research shows that breastfeeding is still very important for both baby and mom.
Benefits of breastfeeding include:
- The nutrition your baby needs.
- Breast milk protects your baby from infections.
- Breast milk protects your baby from diseases.
- Breast milk can be given to the baby at any time.
Purchasing formula does not provide the same protection and nutrition as breastfeeding.
In addition, breastfeeding is also beneficial for the mother. Breastfeeding reduces the risk of:
- ovarian cancer
- breast cancer
- osteoporosis
- cardiovascular disease
How to avoid microplastics
If you’re concerned about microplastics passing through your breast milk, you may want to start by feeding your baby directly from your breast milk instead of from a plastic bottle. If milk is expressed, stored in plastic, and then reheated later, microplastics can get into the milk.
Basically, you can reduce your exposure to microplastics by avoiding plastic bottles of any kind when feeding your baby. A research result has been revealed Bottle-fed babies swallow 1.5 million microplastic particles every day. The study also found that milk May contain microplastics.
Options for storing breast milk include mason jars with silicone lids. Silicone lids are an alternative to mason jar lids because they contain bisphenol A (BPA), a chemical used in the manufacture of resins and plastics. When freezing milk in a glass, leave space at the top for expansion to avoid the glass breaking.
Another option is a zippered silicone breast milk storage bag that can easily store 6 to 8 ounces. Silicone ice cube trays are easy to pour and transfer to the freezer.
From babies to adults, people breathe and ingest microplastics every day. but, You can reduce your chances of further exposure by avoiding plastic items as much as possible. Avoid storing food in plastic bottles, plastic packaging, plastic containers, and wearing synthetic clothing. Additionally, reducing microplastics can generally be achieved by vacuuming, dusting, and mopping frequently.
Other ways to avoid microplastics include:
- Avoid bottled water
- Use a water filter
- Don’t store leftover food in plastic containers
- Do not microwave plastic
- Don’t put plastic in the dishwasher
- Use wooden cutting boards instead of plastic ones
- Hang dry your clothes
Microplastics are an invisible danger to human health. It may seem difficult to know the reality of microplastics, but the priority is to future decisions And by finding healthier alternatives, you can reduce exposure for yourself and your baby.
Although we cannot completely eliminate them from our bodies, we can reduce exposure by ensuring that the next generation is born healthy and risk-free.
