What You Drink Matters: How Environmental Contaminants Affect Breastfeeding

PFAS (per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances) are a group of synthetic chemical compounds that do not break down in the environment, giving them the name forever chemicals. PFAS  is an emerging contaminant commonly found in water, soil, air, and everyday products like personal care products, cleaning supplies, and cookware, to name a few. Research has linked PFAS exposure to several health problems, including increased risks of cancer, liver damage, thyroid disease, and immune system disorders. 

PFAS contamination presents a significant burden in North Carolina, affecting public health and the environment. North Carolina is the third-highest state in terms of PFAS contamination. News of the ongoing PFAS crisis garnered widespread attention after community members and organizations raised concerns about Dupont and its spinoff, Chemours, for releasing GenX, a type of PFAS, into the Cape Fear River near Fayetteville for years. This discharge has led to widespread PFAS contamination in the region. 

The burden of PFAS contamination in the local water has broader effects on maternal health that extend beyond environmental justice. PFAS contamination poses particular risks for birthing mothers and their newborns. Studies have shown that PFAS can pass from mother to child during pregnancy and breastfeeding, as these chemicals are capable of crossing the placental barrier and accumulating in breast milk. Pregnant women exposed to high levels of PFAS may experience complications such as preeclampsia, hypertension, and low birth weight. Additionally, breastfeeding mothers can unknowingly expose their newborns to PFAS, potentially affecting the infants’ immune systems, hormonal balance, and overall development. The vulnerability of newborns to PFAS is particularly concerning due to their developing bodies and higher susceptibility to environmental toxins. 

Black and Brown communities often face higher exposure rates to PFAS contamination due to their proximity to industrial sites, landfills, and polluted water sources. PFAS and other harmful chemicals are released into the environment from factories or waste sites, often found near Black and Brown communities. As a result, residents in these communities are at greater risk of experiencing the health effects associated with PFAS exposure. Despite facing the highest exposure levels, these communities typically lack access to the resources needed to mitigate the effects of contamination, such as clean water, healthcare, and environmental protection.

In communities affected by PFAS, Black and Brown mothers face significant challenges in breastfeeding. Pregnant and breastfeeding mothers drink more water than the average person, increasing their risk of higher exposure to PFAS. The combination of higher PFAS exposure and inadequate maternal healthcare exacerbates health disparities. Many of these mothers already struggle with limited access to prenatal and postnatal care, making it even more challenging to manage the risks associated with PFAS. The contamination of water sources adds another layer of concern, as mothers may worry about passing harmful chemicals to their infants through breast milk. This struggle can discourage breastfeeding, which is otherwise a crucial practice for infant health.

Addressing PFAS contamination demands collective action from communities, policymakers, and organizations. We must advocate for cleaner environments and stronger protections to reduce PFAS exposure, particularly in disproportionately affected areas, such as Black and Brown communities. Supporting mothers and families in these impacted areas is crucial to ensuring the health and well-being of future generations.