Summary
This systematic review, published in Science of the Total Environment, synthesises global evidence on the occurrence and concentrations of pesticide residues found in human breast milk. Drawing on studies from multiple regions, it provides a comprehensive overview of which pesticide classes are most commonly detected and at what levels, with implications for infant exposure via breastfeeding. The review likely highlights persistent organic pollutants such as organochlorines as frequently detected contaminants, reflecting their environmental persistence and bioaccumulation in fatty tissues.
UK applicability
Although the review is global in scope, the findings are broadly applicable to the UK context, particularly in informing regulatory assessment of dietary and environmental pesticide exposure in lactating women and infant health risk. UK monitoring programmes and food safety regulators such as the HSE and FSA may draw on such evidence when reviewing maximum residue levels and breastfeeding guidance.
Key measures
Pesticide residue concentrations in breast milk (ng/g or µg/kg lipid weight); detection frequency by pesticide class; geographic variation in residue levels
Outcomes reported
The review measured the prevalence and concentrations of pesticide residues detected in human breast milk samples collected across multiple countries. It likely reported the range of organochlorine, organophosphate, and other pesticide classes detected, alongside associated exposure implications for breastfed infants.
Topic tags
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