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Telling the news about industrial chemical in breastmilk in

Telling the news about industrial chemical in breastmilk in ways that support breastfeeding while raising awareness about need to ban POPs chemicals. A project by Commonweal, MOMs and POPs Project and the International POPs Elimination Network.

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Telling the news about industrial chemical in breastmilk in

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  1. Telling the news about industrial chemical in breastmilk in ways that support breastfeeding while raising awareness about need to ban POPs chemicals A project by Commonweal, MOMs and POPs Project and the International POPs Elimination Network

  2. Biomonitoring: testing of human fluids and tissues for • the presence of chemical substances or their metabolites. • Biomonitoring provides ultimate proof of human exposure. • Biomonitoring results used to: • Identify trends in chemicals exposures; • Identify vulnerable or disproportionately exposed populations; • Evaluate effectiveness of toxic chemicals regulations; • Set priorities for scientific inquiry; • Support responsible corporate policies; • Develop better understanding about the association between toxic chemical exposures and disease; g. Raise public awareness about need for policy change, and inform personal choice.

  3. Breastmilk is an ideal matrix for POPS monitoring:a. high fat contentb. ease of collectionc. iconic - power to raise public awareness about need for toxic chemical policy reformBut…. “Does the communication of information about toxic chemicals in breastmilk discourage women from breastfeeding?” MOMs and POPs Project (MaPP) interviewed key researchers to learn how breastmilk project participants were given individual results and and how their reactions affected their commitment to breastfeeding.

  4. www.momsandPOPsproject.org MaPP is a network of health advocacy groups, researchers, and health professionals sharing information about best breastmilk monitoring protocols. MaPP Goal: Ensure that breastmilk biomonitoring will ultimately help lower levels of POPs chemicals in all our bodies, rather than the number of women who choose to breastfeed.

  5. Case Study: Michigan, USA Scenario: PBB contamination of cattle feed; human exposure to PBBs from consumption of beef and dairy products.(1972) Breastmilk monitored and data communicated to women who gave samples; Health agencies presented contradictory and confusing information about significance of findings; No one really knew whether levels might be harmful. Result: Women informed about personal levels were perplexed, frightened; women with highest levels tend to express disinterest. . Dr. Sherry Hatcher Psychiatry 1982

  6. Case Study: South Africa Scenario: Dr. Henk Bouwman analyzed breastmilk for DDT and pyrethroids in villages in South Africa. Concerned about effects on health of children. Results not communicated to women: No resources to support breastfeeding; No available alternatives to the use of DDT and pyrethroids; 3. Many of women were likely to be AID/HIV positive; 4. Lack of clean water for formula. Researchers felt that communicating results from study would add to burden of poverty. Personal conversation with Dr. Bouwman 2009

  7. Case Study: Massachusetts, USAScenario: Breastmilk and household dust monitored for PBDEs;Participants counseled throughout study; Strong message - “breast is best.” Participants given information about toxic chemicals in breastmilk, advantages of breastfeeding; Participants given opportunities to share reactions to receiving information about personal levels. Result: Participants remained committed to breastfeeding after receiving information about presence of PBDEs in breastmilk. Wu, et al EHP 2009

  8. Preliminary observations: Communication re POPs levels in breastmilk may support rather than discourage breastfeeding when:- Breastmilk monitoring is implemented within a supportive community;- Information about benefits of breastfeeding is abundant; - Professional counseling is available to support breastfeeding;- Information is available concerning toxic chemical exposure pathways and how to avoid these pathways;- Participants meet together to share experience and concerns.

  9. Monitoring Mother Earth Project Five first-time mothers committed to breastfeeding step forward to donate breastmilk samples for POPs testing. Their thoughts…. IPEN participating organizations:Arnika – Czech RepublicPhysicians for Social Responsibility – KenyaGlobal Anti-Incineration Alliance - PhilippinesCentro De Analisis y Accion en Toxicos y sus Alternativas – MexicoAlaska Community Action on Toxics - USA

  10. It is important that governments tighten controls on the manufacturing sector so that these chemicals do not enter into our bodies. Like any mother I fear what might affect the development of my baby. I want her to have the best. Yasher Samah and baby, Jolie - Kenya

  11. It has been important to know that I am not the only with chemicals in my body. I want to physically know the other women so that we can rally for the abolition of these chemicals. Yasher and Jolie The problem of chemicals is global issue that requires global solutions.

  12. I wanted to contribute a sample because it is important for us all to know what is in breastmilk. This will help us know what toxic chemicals are in our food and our environment Karla Flores with baby, Paulo Gael - Mexico

  13. Breastfeeding is one of the most beautiful moments with my son. It’s wonderful what a woman’s body can do. I know that exposure during pregnancy to toxics can be dangerous so I avoided certain things like certain personal care products. Daniela Seveckova, with Baby Filip Cadil - Czech Republic

  14. Daniela and Felip Women should know about toxic chemicals but the information should be given to them in a gentle and friendly way. They must know that breastfeeding is the best they can do for baby, even if there are levels of toxic chemicals present.

  15. Mary-Ann Del Mundo-Lantin with baby Gie Ann Gabrielle - Philippines All women should be able to learn about the presence of toxic chemicals in their bodies and the bodies of family members. I would like to share my knowledge and experiences with other women, and I want to speak about toxic chemicals in breastmilk and the importance of breastfeeding.

  16. It’s important to know about levels in other countries. We’ll be able to share with mothers information about how to avoid exposures. I hope other women will have the opportunity to be tested. Government has a big responsibility to ensure that breastfeeding flourishes and that breastmilk is protected. Mary Ann Del Mundo-Lantin and Gie Ann Philippines

  17. Mother Earth; Mothers’ Milk; Mothers’ Stories A project by Commonweal, MOMs and POPs Project and the International POPs Elimination Network Conclusion: With care and sensitivity, communicating results about POPs in breastmilk can: Help women learn to avoid further exposures through personal choice; 2. Create a community of those who have given samples who offer support for breastfeeding and policy change.; Support a forum where women’s voices can be heard, demanding toxic chemical policy reform.

  18. 1. Power of biomonitoring is based on both the biomonitoringresults and the personal stories of those tested. 2. By communicating biomonitoring results, an informed and engaged community is created 3. When results are not communicated, a tremendous opportunity is lost, AND.. basic human right to know is violated. For more information, contact Sharyle Patton , Director of Commonweal Biomonitoring Resource Center, Bolinas, CA USA, 94924 spatton@igc.org,

  19. www.ipen.org www.Commonweal.org www.momsandpopsproject.org

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