Microplastics are almost everywhere, in our drinking water, our household items, and even our brains. The popular “”My breasts are the best,“It is understandable that mothers are worried about the transmission of microplastics through breast milk.
The microplastics was named by Richard Thompson, a biologist who participated in Beach Cleanup in 1993. After the big plastic breaks, they become smaller, more instantaneous, microplastic. This is surprising to the environment and humans, as plastics never break down into organic materials.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention75% of US mothers have decided to breastfeed in 2023. However, the number is decreasing every year. In 2019, 83% of new mothers were breastfeeding.
Breast milk has health benefits. Research has found that newborns are protected from illness and may benefit mothers by lowering the risk of ovarian cancer. Recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics The new mother is breastfeeding Baby for The first six months of their lives.
Research has discovered that Contaminants Like Pesticides Chemicals are found in breast milk. But with recent growing concerns about microplastics, should mothers worry?
Breast milk survey results
This is not the first time a contaminant has been discovered in breast milk. In fact, in 1951, Survey of 32 women It turns out that 30 has a small amount of pesticide DDTin the end It was banned in the US in 1972. There are pesticides It is related to cancerneurotoxicity, and destruction of the endocrine, reproductive, and immune system.
Additionally, children’s products, vehicles, electronics and furniture all contained brominated flame retardants (BFRs), which in the 1970s contained chemicals found in breast milk.. Today, BFR is Found in the placentashows how deep it can move around the body and affect the baby. It is found in some European countries Prohibited BFR To protect the environment and human health.
2022, a Research has discovered plastic particlesalso known as Microplastics, was 75% of the 34 breast milk studied. Other studies have found breast milk in the placenta, heart tissue, brain and blood.
The microplastics found in this study consisted of polyethylene, PVC, and polypropylene.
Microplastics is Endocrine decaythat is, they will be changed Body hormone levels It can affect reproductive and neurological health and can change learning and parenting behaviors.
Infants are very susceptible Chemicals and PlasticsHowever, studies have found that breastfeeding is extremely important for both babies and mothers.
Benefits of breastfeeding include:
- Nutritional needs of babies.
- Breast milk protects your baby from infection.
- Breast milk protects your baby from illness.
- Breast milk is always available to babies.
Buying a formula doesn’t provide the same protection and nutrition as breastfeeding.
Furthermore, breastfeeding can benefit mothers as well. Breastfeeding reduces the risks of:
- Ovarian cancer
- breast cancer
- osteoporosis
- Cardiovascular disease
How to avoid microplastics
If you are worried about passing microplastics through breast milk, raising your baby directly from the breast can be a good place to start, not from a plastic bottle. The milk is pumped up, stored in plastic, then later heated again, allowing the microplastics to enter the milk.
Essentially, avoiding all sorts of plastic bottles when feeding your baby can reduce exposure to microplastics. One study found That bottled baby swallows 1.5 million microplastic particles of particles every day. This study also discovered that milk Can include microplastics.
Options for storing breast milk include a mason jar with a silicone lid. Silicon lids replace mason jar lids because they contain bisphenol A (BPA), a chemical used to make resin and plastic. When freezing milk with glass, place the room on top for expansion so that the glass does not break.
Another option is a silicone breast milk storage bag with a zip top to make storage easier from 6 to 8 ounces. The silicone ice tray is easily poured and transferred to the freezer.
People from babies to adults breathe and consume microplastics every day. but, Avoiding plastic products as much as possible reduces the chances of more exposure. Do not use plastic bottles, plastic packaging, store food in plastic containers, or clothing made from synthetic fabrics. Furthermore, microplastic reductions can generally be done by vacuuming, dusting and mopping frequently.
Other ways to avoid microplastics are:
- Avoid plastic water bottles
- Use a water filter
- Do not store leftovers in plastic containers
- Do not use microwave plastic
- Do not put plastic in the dishwasher
- Use a wooden cutting board, not a plastic
- Line dry your clothes
Microplastics is an invisible danger to human health. Discovering the reality of microplastics may seem overwhelming, but prioritize Future decisions And by finding healthier alternatives, you can reduce the exposure of yourself and your baby.
We cannot completely eliminate them from our bodies, but we can reduce exposure by ensuring that the next generation is born healthy and risk-free.
