University of Arizona scientists are calling for a larger study after they became the first in the world to measure a potentially cancer-causing solvent in breast milk.
They studied 20 samples of breast milk from 20 women.
Dr. Paloma Beamer, of the UA College of Public Health, says seven of the 20 samples contained low levels of trichloroethylene, or TCE.
Beamer says there is nothing to compare that to since, to her knowledge, no one has ever done these measurements before.
She says there also is no standard for breast milk contamination.
The breast milk samples were taken two years ago. The findings were published last week.
Beamer says, since the the first tests, more Nogales water samples have been tested and found to have no TCE contamination.
Beamer and others involved in the study are urging mothers to continue breastfeeding their babies because of the tremendous health benefits to both mother and baby.
Beamer says the next step is to secure funding for a major nationwide study of TCE contamination in breast milk.
The goal is to see how prevalent it is.
Scientists say they can then better understand what levels are safe and establish standards.
Beamer says TCE is one of the most common contaminants in our environment.
Copyright 2012 Tucson News Now. All rights reserved.
Posted: Jul 30, 2012 7:11 PM CDTUpdated: Aug 06, 2012 7:11 PM CDTBy Barbara Grijalva
They studied 20 samples of breast milk from 20 women.
Dr. Paloma Beamer, of the UA College of Public Health, says seven of the 20 samples contained low levels of trichloroethylene, or TCE.
Beamer says there is nothing to compare that to since, to her knowledge, no one has ever done these measurements before.
She says there also is no standard for breast milk contamination.
The breast milk samples were taken two years ago. The findings were published last week.
Beamer says, since the the first tests, more Nogales water samples have been tested and found to have no TCE contamination.
Beamer and others involved in the study are urging mothers to continue breastfeeding their babies because of the tremendous health benefits to both mother and baby.
Beamer says the next step is to secure funding for a major nationwide study of TCE contamination in breast milk.
The goal is to see how prevalent it is.
Scientists say they can then better understand what levels are safe and establish standards.
Beamer says TCE is one of the most common contaminants in our environment.
Copyright 2012 Tucson News Now. All rights reserved.
Posted: Jul 30, 2012 7:11 PM CDTUpdated: Aug 06, 2012 7:11 PM CDTBy Barbara Grijalva
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