‘99% of harmful chemicals in breast milk end up in babies’ bodies’—Kyung Hee University research team finds

[Financial News] It was found that 99% of the per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) that enter infants’ and young children’s bodies through breast milk accumulate in their bodies. Infants and young children accumulate PFAS faster than adults, prompting calls for close monitoring of exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals.
A research team comprising research professor Kim Seong-hyeon of Kyung Hee University’s East-West Comparative Medicine Research Institute and Professor Kim Gwang-pyo of the Department of Medicine announced on the 8th the results of a detailed assessment of PFAS accumulation and associated health risks in infants and young children through breastfeeding.
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances are chemicals widely used in nonstick pan coatings, waterproof clothing, and disposable containers. Once they enter the body, they are not easily eliminated, earning them the name “forever chemicals.”
The team’s analysis of PFAS accumulation at different stages of infants’ and young children’s growth found that about 98.9% of the PFAS consumed through breast milk is absorbed and accumulates in their bodies. In particular, the amount of PFAS accumulated per unit of body weight was 1.25 to 2.21 times that in adults. This is because infants’ and young children’s kidney function and metabolic systems are not yet fully developed, reducing their ability to eliminate the substances.
However, breastfeeding at current levels was found to pose a low health risk. In the team’s risk assessment, PFAS exposure in infants and young children remained at safe levels, not exceeding the tolerable daily intake (TDI) or safety standards.
Research Professor Kim Seong-hyeon explained, “Breastfeeding provides irreplaceable benefits for infants’ and young children’s immune systems and growth, so there is no need to stop breastfeeding because of concerns about PFAS contamination.” He added, “Since infants and young children are far more vulnerable than adults to the risks of endocrine disruptors, exposure standards for environmental substances for mothers and infants and young children should be further strengthened.”
The study was published in the latest issue of the international journal *Hazardous Materials*.

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