Breast milk, dioxins and the possible effects on the health of newborn infants.

The concentration of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) in the fat of breast milk of 14 Dutch mothers varied from 5.35 to 17.0 ng kg-1 (nanograms per kilogram fat). Expressed as toxic equivalents the concentrations of the 17 different congeners of dioxin and furans in the fat of the breast milk were between 29.85 and 92.88 ng kg-1. These levels are sufficient to induce enzyme formation in the livers of infants. (The acceptable daily intake is 4 pg/kg bodyweight/day). Dioxin induces the same enzyme production in the liver as phenobarbital; therefore, because phenobarbital affects fat-soluble vitamins, such as vitamins D and K, a similar response was anticipated in response to exposure to dioxin. Consequently, one aim of this study was to investigate blood coagulation parameters. We found a statistically significant relationship with the mean concentration of TCDD in the breast milk of mothers whose babies suffered from bleeding problems. This association was not found for 2,3,4,7,8-pentachlorodibenzofuran concentrations, nor for the remaining congeners expressed as toxic equivalents. A simple laboratory test for measuring dioxins and furans is urgently needed.