Study Finds Endocrine Disruptors in 336 Mother-Infant Pairs, With BPA in 51.2% of Breast Milk
Updated
Updated · BIOENGINEER.ORG · Jun 13
Study Finds Endocrine Disruptors in 336 Mother-Infant Pairs, With BPA in 51.2% of Breast Milk
3 articles · Updated · BIOENGINEER.ORG · Jun 13
Summary
Researchers analyzing 336 mother-infant pairs found endocrine-disrupting chemicals in breast milk and infant urine from birth to six months, pointing to persistent early-life exposure during a critical developmental window.
BPA appeared in 51.2% of breast milk samples one month after birth and 49.8% at six months, while infant urine positives rose from about one-third at birth to 67.6% by six months.
Other chemicals were also widespread: phthalates were present in over 90% of breast milk samples at one month, and infant urine metabolites climbed from 30.3% to 79.4%; BPS in urine increased from 22.4% to 41.2%.
The team said maternal diet and household or personal-care products were strongly linked to the contamination burden, while PAHs in urine but rarely in milk suggested added exposure through air or skin contact.
Presented at ENDO 2026, the findings have already prompted a prevention campaign and agreements in Italy to monitor, reduce and potentially reformulate products tied to chemical transfer into breast milk.
Beyond 'BPA-free' labels, how can parents truly shield infants from hidden hormone-disrupting chemicals?
With chemicals found even in breast milk, what global regulations can actually protect our most vulnerable?
If infant formula is 'cleaner' than breast milk, is breastfeeding still the safest choice for newborns?
Nearly All European Breast Milk Contaminated with Endocrine Disruptors: 2026 LIFE-MILCH Study Sparks Regulatory Push
Overview
The 2026 LIFE-MILCH study revealed that endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are present in nearly all breast milk and infant urine samples, showing that infants are exposed to these chemicals from birth. Key EDCs identified include phthalates, bisphenols, PFAS, and certain pesticides, with phthalates found in 95% of breast milk samples and bisphenols like BPA and BPS also widely detected. These findings highlight an urgent need for stronger public health strategies to protect infants, as the widespread presence of EDCs poses significant risks to early development and long-term health.