Telling the news about industrial chemical in breastmilk in Telling the news about industrial chemical in breastmilk in ways that support breastfeeding while raising awarenessways that support breastfeeding while raising awarenessabout need to ban POPs chemicalsabout need to ban POPs chemicals

A project by Commonweal, MOMs and POPs Project and the International POPsA project by Commonweal, MOMs and POPs Project and the International POPsElimination NetworkElimination Network

Biomonitoring: testing of human fluids and tissues forBiomonitoring: testing of human fluids and tissues for the presence of chemical substances or their metabolites.the presence of chemical substances or their metabolites.

Biomonitoring provides ultimate proof of human exposure.Biomonitoring provides ultimate proof of human exposure.

Biomonitoring results used to:Biomonitoring results used to:

a.a. Identify trends in chemicals exposures;Identify trends in chemicals exposures;b.b. Identify vulnerable or disproportionately exposed populations;Identify vulnerable or disproportionately exposed populations;c.c. Evaluate effectiveness of toxic chemicals regulations;Evaluate effectiveness of toxic chemicals regulations;d.d. Set priorities for scientific inquiry;Set priorities for scientific inquiry;e.e. Support responsible corporate policies;Support responsible corporate policies;f.f. Develop better understanding about the association betweenDevelop better understanding about the association between toxic chemical exposures and disease;toxic chemical exposures and disease;

g. Raise public awareness about need for policy change,g. Raise public awareness about need for policy change, and inform personal choice.and inform personal choice.

Breastmilk is an ideal matrix for POPS monitoring:Breastmilk is an ideal matrix for POPS monitoring:

a. high fat contenta. high fat contentb. ease of collectionb. ease of collectionc. iconic - power to raise public awarenessc. iconic - power to raise public awareness about need for toxic chemical policy reform about need for toxic chemical policy reform

But….But….

Breastmilk is an ideal matrix for POPS monitoring:Breastmilk is an ideal matrix for POPS monitoring:

a. high fat contenta. high fat contentb. ease of collectionb. ease of collectionc. iconic - power to raise public awarenessc. iconic - power to raise public awareness about need for toxic chemical policy reform about need for toxic chemical policy reform

But….But….

““Does the communication of information about toxic chemicals in Does the communication of information about toxic chemicals in breastmilk discourage women from breastfebreastmilk discourage women from breastfeeding?”eding?”

MOMs and POPs Project (MaPP) interviewed key researchers to MOMs and POPs Project (MaPP) interviewed key researchers to learn how breastmilk project participants were given individual learn how breastmilk project participants were given individual results and and how their reactions affected their commitment to results and and how their reactions affected their commitment to breastfeeding.breastfeeding.

““Does the communication of information about toxic chemicals in Does the communication of information about toxic chemicals in breastmilk discourage women from breastfebreastmilk discourage women from breastfeeding?”eding?”

MOMs and POPs Project (MaPP) interviewed key researchers to MOMs and POPs Project (MaPP) interviewed key researchers to learn how breastmilk project participants were given individual learn how breastmilk project participants were given individual results and and how their reactions affected their commitment to results and and how their reactions affected their commitment to breastfeeding.breastfeeding.

www.momsandPOPsproject.org

MaPP is a network of health advocacy groups,MaPP is a network of health advocacy groups, researchers, and health professionals sharing informationresearchers, and health professionals sharing information about best breastmilk monitoring protocols.about best breastmilk monitoring protocols.

MaPP Goal: Ensure that breastmilk biomonitoringMaPP Goal: Ensure that breastmilk biomonitoring will ultimately help lower levels of POPs chemicals in allwill ultimately help lower levels of POPs chemicals in allour bodies, rather than the number of women who chooseour bodies, rather than the number of women who chooseto breastfeed.to breastfeed.

Case Study: Michigan, USACase Study: Michigan, USA Scenario: Scenario:

PBB contamination of cattle feed; human exposure to PBBs from consumption PBB contamination of cattle feed; human exposure to PBBs from consumption of beef and dairy products.(1972)of beef and dairy products.(1972)

Breastmilk monitored and data communicated to women who gave samples; Breastmilk monitored and data communicated to women who gave samples; Health agencies presented contradictory and confusing information about Health agencies presented contradictory and confusing information about significance of findings; No one really knew whether levels significance of findings; No one really knew whether levels might be harmful. might be harmful.

Result: Women informed about Result: Women informed about personal levels were perplexed,personal levels were perplexed,frightened; women with highestfrightened; women with highestlevels tend to express disinterest.levels tend to express disinterest...Dr. Sherry Hatcher Psychiatry 1982Dr. Sherry Hatcher Psychiatry 1982

Case Study: South AfricaCase Study: South Africa Scenario: Dr. Henk Bouwman analyzed breastmilk for DDT and pyrethroids in Scenario: Dr. Henk Bouwman analyzed breastmilk for DDT and pyrethroids in

villages in South Africa. Concerned about effects on health of children.villages in South Africa. Concerned about effects on health of children.

Results not communicated to women:Results not communicated to women:

1.1. No resources to support breastfeeding;No resources to support breastfeeding;2.2. No available alternatives to the use ofNo available alternatives to the use of DDT and pyrethroids;DDT and pyrethroids;3. Many of women were likely to3. Many of women were likely to be AID/HIV positive;be AID/HIV positive;4. Lack of clean water for formula.4. Lack of clean water for formula.

Researchers felt that communicating resultsResearchers felt that communicating results from study would add to burden of poverty.from study would add to burden of poverty.

Personal conversation with Dr. Bouwman 2009Personal conversation with Dr. Bouwman 2009

Case Study: Massachusetts, USACase Study: Massachusetts, USA

Scenario: Breastmilk and household dust monitored for PBDEs;Scenario: Breastmilk and household dust monitored for PBDEs;

Participants counseled throughout study; Participants counseled throughout study; Strong message - “breast is best.” Strong message - “breast is best.” Participants given information about toxic chemicals in breastmilk, Participants given information about toxic chemicals in breastmilk, advantages of breastfeeding; advantages of breastfeeding; Participants given opportunities to share reactionsParticipants given opportunities to share reactions to receiving information about personal levels. to receiving information about personal levels.

Case Study: Massachusetts, USACase Study: Massachusetts, USA

Scenario: Breastmilk and household dust monitored for PBDEs;Scenario: Breastmilk and household dust monitored for PBDEs;

Participants counseled throughout study; Participants counseled throughout study; Strong message - “breast is best.” Strong message - “breast is best.” Participants given information about toxic chemicals in breastmilk, Participants given information about toxic chemicals in breastmilk, advantages of breastfeeding; advantages of breastfeeding; Participants given opportunities to share reactionsParticipants given opportunities to share reactions to receiving information about personal levels. to receiving information about personal levels.

Result: Participants remained Result: Participants remained committed to breastfeeding after committed to breastfeeding after

receiving information about presence of receiving information about presence of PBDEs in breastmilk. PBDEs in breastmilk. Wu, et al EHP 200Wu, et al EHP 2009

Result: Participants remained Result: Participants remained committed to breastfeeding after committed to breastfeeding after

receiving information about presence of receiving information about presence of PBDEs in breastmilk. PBDEs in breastmilk. Wu, et al EHP 200Wu, et al EHP 2009

Preliminary observations:Preliminary observations:

Communication re POPs levels in breastmilk may support rather Communication re POPs levels in breastmilk may support rather than discourage breastfeeding when:than discourage breastfeeding when:

- Breastmilk monitoring is implemented within a supportive - Breastmilk monitoring is implemented within a supportive community;community;

- Information about benefits of breastfeeding is abundant; - Information about benefits of breastfeeding is abundant;

- Professional counseling is available to support breastfeeding;- Professional counseling is available to support breastfeeding;

- Information is available concerning toxic chemical exposure - Information is available concerning toxic chemical exposure pathways and how to avoid these pathways;pathways and how to avoid these pathways;

- Participants meet together to share experience and concerns.- Participants meet together to share experience and concerns.

Preliminary observations:Preliminary observations:

Communication re POPs levels in breastmilk may support rather Communication re POPs levels in breastmilk may support rather than discourage breastfeeding when:than discourage breastfeeding when:

- Breastmilk monitoring is implemented within a supportive - Breastmilk monitoring is implemented within a supportive community;community;

- Information about benefits of breastfeeding is abundant; - Information about benefits of breastfeeding is abundant;

- Professional counseling is available to support breastfeeding;- Professional counseling is available to support breastfeeding;

- Information is available concerning toxic chemical exposure - Information is available concerning toxic chemical exposure pathways and how to avoid these pathways;pathways and how to avoid these pathways;

- Participants meet together to share experience and concerns.- Participants meet together to share experience and concerns.

IPEN participating organizations:

Arnika – Czech RepublicArnika – Czech RepublicPhysicians for Social Responsibility – KenyaPhysicians for Social Responsibility – KenyaGlobal Anti-Incineration Alliance - PhilippinesGlobal Anti-Incineration Alliance - PhilippinesCentro De Analisis y Accion en Toxicos y sus Alternativas – MexicoCentro De Analisis y Accion en Toxicos y sus Alternativas – MexicoAlaska Community Action on Toxics - USAAlaska Community Action on Toxics - USA

IPEN participating organizations:

Arnika – Czech RepublicArnika – Czech RepublicPhysicians for Social Responsibility – KenyaPhysicians for Social Responsibility – KenyaGlobal Anti-Incineration Alliance - PhilippinesGlobal Anti-Incineration Alliance - PhilippinesCentro De Analisis y Accion en Toxicos y sus Alternativas – MexicoCentro De Analisis y Accion en Toxicos y sus Alternativas – MexicoAlaska Community Action on Toxics - USAAlaska Community Action on Toxics - USA

Monitoring Mother Earth ProjectMonitoring Mother Earth Project

Five first-time mothers committed to Five first-time mothers committed to breastfeeding step forward to donate breastfeeding step forward to donate breastmilk samples for POPs testing.breastmilk samples for POPs testing.

Their thoughts….Their thoughts….

It is important that governments tighten controls on the manufacturing sectorIt is important that governments tighten controls on the manufacturing sectorso that these chemicals do not enter into our bodies. Like any mother I fear what so that these chemicals do not enter into our bodies. Like any mother I fear what might affect the development of my baby. I want her to have the best.might affect the development of my baby. I want her to have the best.Yasher Samah and baby, Jolie - KenyaYasher Samah and baby, Jolie - Kenya

Yasher and JolieYasher and Jolie

It has been important to knowIt has been important to knowthat I am not the only withthat I am not the only withchemicals in my body. chemicals in my body.

I want to physically know the I want to physically know the other women so that we can rally other women so that we can rally for the abolition of these for the abolition of these chemicals.chemicals.

The problem of chemicals is global issue that requires global solutionsThe problem of chemicals is global issue that requires global solutions..

Karla Flores with baby, Paulo Gael Karla Flores with baby, Paulo Gael - Mexico - Mexico

I wanted to contribute a sampleI wanted to contribute a samplebecause it is important for us all tobecause it is important for us all to know what is in breastmilk. This willknow what is in breastmilk. This will help us know what toxic chemicalshelp us know what toxic chemicals are in our food and our environmentare in our food and our environment

Breastfeeding is one of the mostBreastfeeding is one of the mostbeautiful moments with my son.beautiful moments with my son. It’s wonderful what a woman’s It’s wonderful what a woman’s body can do.body can do.

I know that exposure during I know that exposure during pregnancy to toxics can bepregnancy to toxics can bedangerous so I avoided dangerous so I avoided certain things like certain personalcertain things like certain personalcare products. care products.

Daniela Seveckova, withDaniela Seveckova, withBaby Filip Cadil Baby Filip Cadil - Czech Republic- Czech Republic

Women should know about toxic chemicals but theWomen should know about toxic chemicals but theinformation should be given to them in a gentle andinformation should be given to them in a gentle andfriendly way. They must know that breastfeeding isfriendly way. They must know that breastfeeding isthe best they can do for baby, even if there are levels of the best they can do for baby, even if there are levels of toxic chemicals present.toxic chemicals present.

Daniela and Daniela and FelipFelip

All women should be able to learn about the presence of toxic chemicals in their bodies and the bodies of family members. I would like to share my knowledge and experiences with other women, and I want to speak about toxic chemicals in breastmilk and the importance of breastfeeding.

Mary-Ann Del Mundo-LantinMary-Ann Del Mundo-Lantin with baby Gie Ann Gabriellewith baby Gie Ann Gabrielle- Philippines- Philippines

It’s important to know about levelsIt’s important to know about levelsin other countries. We’ll be able to share in other countries. We’ll be able to share with mothers information about how towith mothers information about how toavoid exposures. I hope other women avoid exposures. I hope other women will have the opportunity to be tested.will have the opportunity to be tested.

Government has a big responsibilityGovernment has a big responsibilityto ensure that breastfeeding flourishes and thatto ensure that breastfeeding flourishes and thatbreastmilk is protected.breastmilk is protected.

Mary Ann Del Mundo-Lantin and Gie AnnMary Ann Del Mundo-Lantin and Gie AnnPhilippinesPhilippines

Sum PBDE Concentrations

0

5000

10000

15000

20000

25000

30000

35000

40000

45000

Philippines Alaska Mexico Kenya Czech Reputlic

Br10-DPE-209

Br9-DPE-208

Br9-DPE-207

Br9-DPE-206

Br8-DPE-203

Br7-DPE-183

Br6-DPE-155

Br6-DPE-154

Br6-DPE-153

Br6-DPE-140

Br6-DPE-138/166Br5-DPE-119/120Br5-DPE-100

Br5-DPE-99

Br5-DPE-85

Br4-DPE-79

Br4-DPE-77

Br4-DPE-75

Br4-DPE-71

Br4-DPE-66

Br4-DPE-51

Br4-DPE-49

Br4-DPE-47

Br3-DPE-37

Br3-DPE-28/33

Br2-DPE-15

DDT and Metabolites in Breast Milk

0

50

100

150

200

250

300

350

Philippines Alaska Mexico Kenya Czech Reputlic

p,p-DDTo,p-DDTp,p-DDEo,p-DDEp,p-DDDo,p-DDD

Organochlorine Pesticides in Breast Milk

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

Philippines Alaska Mexico Kenya Czech Reputlic

MIREX

c-NONACHLOR

t-NONACHLOR

c-CHLORDANE

t-CHLORDANE

OXYCHLORDANE

HEPTACHLOR

gamma-HCH

beta-HCH

alpha-HCH

HCB

Methoxychlor

Dieldrin

Heptachlor-Epoxidedelta-HCH

A project by Commonweal, MOMs and POPs Project A project by Commonweal, MOMs and POPs Project and the International POPs Elimination Networkand the International POPs Elimination Network

Conclusion: With care and sensitivity, communicating resultsConclusion: With care and sensitivity, communicating resultsabout POPs in breastmilk can:about POPs in breastmilk can:

1.1. Help women learn to avoid further exposures through Help women learn to avoid further exposures through personal choice;personal choice;2. Create a community of those who have given samples2. Create a community of those who have given samples who offer support for breastfeeding and policy change.;who offer support for breastfeeding and policy change.;3.3. Support a forum where women’s voices can be heard, Support a forum where women’s voices can be heard, demanding toxic chemical policy reform.demanding toxic chemical policy reform.

Mother Earth; Mothers’ Milk;Mother Earth; Mothers’ Milk;Mothers’ StoriesMothers’ Stories

1. Power of biomonitoring is based on both the biomonitoring1. Power of biomonitoring is based on both the biomonitoringresults and the personal stories of those tested.results and the personal stories of those tested.1. Power of biomonitoring is based on both the biomonitoring1. Power of biomonitoring is based on both the biomonitoringresults and the personal stories of those tested.results and the personal stories of those tested.

2. By communicating biomonitoring results, an 2. By communicating biomonitoring results, an informed and engaged community is createdinformed and engaged community is created

3. When results are not communicated, a tremendous 3. When results are not communicated, a tremendous opportunity is lost, AND.. basic human right to know is opportunity is lost, AND.. basic human right to know is

violatedviolated.

2. By communicating biomonitoring results, an 2. By communicating biomonitoring results, an informed and engaged community is createdinformed and engaged community is created

3. When results are not communicated, a tremendous 3. When results are not communicated, a tremendous opportunity is lost, AND.. basic human right to know is opportunity is lost, AND.. basic human right to know is

violatedviolated.

For more information, contact Sharyle Patton , Director of CommonwealFor more information, contact Sharyle Patton , Director of CommonwealBiomonitoring Resource Center, Bolinas, CA USA, 94924 spatton@igc.org, Biomonitoring Resource Center, Bolinas, CA USA, 94924 spatton@igc.org,

www.ipen.org

www.Commonweal.org

www.momsandpopsproject.orgwww.momsandpopsproject.org