Research shows that many children have higher levels of the environmental toxin PFAS in their blood than is considered safe. These substances are transferred to children during pregnancy and through breast milk. But what does this actually mean — and is it safe to breastfeed?
What is PFAS?
PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are a group of over 10,000 man-made chemicals that have been used in industry since the 1950s. They are often called "forever chemicals" because they break down extremely slowly in nature.
PFAS is found in many everyday products:
- Water-repellent clothing and textiles (Gore-Tex, treated jackets)
- Food packaging (butter paper, microwave popcorn bags, pizza boxes)
- Non-stick coatings (frying pans)
- Firefighting foam
- Cosmetics and cleaning products
Why is PFAS a problem?
PFAS barely breaks down, either in nature or in our bodies. The substances accumulate over time. According to public health researchers, the most important source of PFAS for children is the food we eat — especially seafood, dairy products, and meat.
What does the research show?
Concerning findings in children
A report published in 2023, based on data from a large birth cohort study, showed concerning results among 669 children aged 7–14:
- Nearly 30 percent of children had higher PFAS levels in their blood than European authorities consider safe
- Almost all (99.6 percent) had higher levels of bisphenol A (BPA) than the recommended threshold
PFAS in breast milk
Research shows that PFAS is transferred to children in two ways:
- During pregnancy — via the placenta
- Through breastfeeding — via breast milk
The concentration of PFAS in breast milk is much lower than in the mother's blood — PFOS is approximately 70 times higher in the mother's blood serum than in breast milk.
Studies tracking children at age 3 have found that 98 percent of children had higher PFAS concentrations than their mothers.
Possible health effects
Research links PFAS exposure to a range of health effects:
- Reduced immune function — studies show PFAS may weaken vaccine response in children
- Metabolic effects — association with higher cholesterol
- Possible links to reduced fertility, asthma, and ADHD (research ongoing)
Important nuance: Research shows associations (correlations), but more research is still needed to establish causal relationships. This is an active field of investigation.
Is it safe to breastfeed?
Yes — breast milk is still the best food for your baby.
This is the clear message from health authorities. The Scientific Committee on Food and Environment conducted a benefit-risk assessment of breast milk and concluded:
The benefits of breastfeeding for the child outweigh the risks from environmental contaminants.
Since that assessment, levels of several environmental toxins in breast milk have continued to fall, strengthening this conclusion.
Levels are declining: Measurements show a clear downward trend. From 1986 to 2005, levels of dioxins and dioxin-like PCBs in breast milk fell by nearly 70 percent. Concentrations of PFOS and PFOA in blood have also been declining since the turn of the millennium.
Why is breast milk still best?
Even with traces of environmental chemicals, breast milk provides:
- Optimal nutrition tailored to the baby's needs
- Protection against infections through antibodies
- Better gut microbiome that supports the baby's immune system
- Lower risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes, and allergies
- Vital bonding between mother and child
The WHO and AAP both continue to recommend exclusive breastfeeding for six months and continued breastfeeding throughout the first year and beyond.
What about vaccine response?
One of the most concerning findings is that PFAS may affect children's immune systems. Research from the Faroe Islands showed that children with high PFAS exposure had a poorer response to vaccines against tetanus and diphtheria.
Ongoing studies are investigating this further, specifically looking at the link between PFAS and vaccine protection in children.
Note: Even if PFAS can affect vaccine response, this does not mean vaccines don't work. Children still have very high vaccination rates and good protection against the diseases they are vaccinated against. The childhood vaccination program is as important as ever.
What can you do as a parent?
While PFAS is a societal problem that requires regulation at a governmental level, there are some things you can do to reduce exposure:
In everyday life
- Avoid PFAS-containing food packaging where possible — choose glass, steel, or uncoated paper
- Use pans without non-stick coatings — ceramic or cast iron are good alternatives
- Choose clothing without PFAS treatment when possible — look for labeling or ask the manufacturer
- Ventilate and vacuum regularly — PFAS is also found in household dust
Diet
- Continue breastfeeding — the benefits outweigh the risks
- Eat a varied diet — variety reduces the risk of high exposure to any one substance
- Follow WHO/AAP dietary guidelines — these take knowledge of environmental contaminants into account
Drinking water
Municipal tap water generally has low PFAS concentrations, but this can vary locally. If you are concerned, check whether your local water utility has conducted PFAS testing. Most tap water is safe and no special filters are needed.
Tip: You don't need to buy expensive water filters. Tap water is generally safe. If PFAS contamination has been detected in your area, your local water authority will inform residents and recommend action.
What are authorities doing?
Regulatory bodies are actively working to address PFAS:
- Bans: Use of PFOS and PFOA is already prohibited in many countries, and more PFAS compounds are under review for restrictions
- International cooperation: Multiple countries are contributing to proposals for restricting all PFAS compounds in Europe and globally
- Monitoring: Public health agencies are tracking levels of environmental toxins in breast milk and blood through ongoing studies
- Thresholds: The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) lowered its PFAS safety thresholds in 2020, meaning more people now technically exceed the recommended limit
The bigger picture
It is important to put the PFAS issue in perspective:
The positive:
- Levels of many persistent environmental toxins in breast milk have fallen sharply over recent decades
- Authorities are actively working on regulation
- Many countries now have strict limits on environmental toxins in food and drinking water
Reasons for concern:
- PFAS barely breaks down — concentrations in the environment could continue to increase without action
- For some newer PFAS compounds, concentrations have remained stable or slightly increased
- Many children exceed recommended thresholds
What we still don't know:
- Exactly how much of the measured levels translate to actual disease
- The long-term effects of PFAS exposure in early childhood
- How different PFAS compounds interact with each other (the cocktail effect)
Frequently asked questions
Is it safe to breastfeed given environmental toxins in breast milk?
Yes. All major health authorities, including the WHO and AAP, recommend breastfeeding. The benefits of breast milk — immune factors, optimal nutrition, and disease protection — clearly outweigh the low exposure to environmental toxins. Levels of most environmental toxins in breast milk have also declined significantly over recent decades.
What is PFAS and why is it a concern?
PFAS is a group of man-made chemicals used in many products, from frying pans to rain gear. They break down extremely slowly in nature and can accumulate in the body. Research is ongoing to better understand the health effects, but at present the issue is primarily addressed at a regulatory level through legislation.
What can I do to reduce exposure to environmental toxins?
Eat a varied diet and choose minimally processed foods. Avoid using worn non-stick pans, choose PFAS-free products where possible, and follow dietary guidelines on fish consumption. Don't let concern about environmental chemicals override healthy habits like breastfeeding and eating a varied diet.
Summary
- Breastfeeding is still best — the benefits of breast milk outweigh the risks from environmental toxins
- Levels are declining — many environmental toxins in breast milk have fallen sharply over recent decades
- PFAS is a real problem — but it is primarily solved at a regulatory level, not by individual parents
- You can reduce exposure — through conscious everyday choices, without stressing
- Stay informed — public health agencies are closely monitoring developments
The most important thing you can do: Continue breastfeeding if you can and want to. Eat a varied diet. Don't let concern about environmental chemicals take the joy out of parenthood.