At a glance
The benefits of breastfeeding outweigh the potential risk of exposure to chemicals through breast milk for most infants. However, mothers should try to reduce or eliminate their exposure to environmental chemicals as much as possible while breastfeeding.
Environmental Exposures
In addition to occupational exposures, breastfeeding mothers may encounter chemicals in their surroundings. Breastfeeding mothers should try to reduce or eliminate their exposure to these as much as possible.
Asbestos
Asbestos is a commercial name for minerals used in products such as insulation, fireproofing materials, automotive brakes, textile products, cement, and wallboard materials. Asbestos does not pose health risks unless it is handled or deteriorates and releases microscopic asbestos fibers into the air.
Inhaling asbestos can cause tiny asbestos fibers to irritate lung tissue and cause non-cancer diseases and increase the risk of certain cancers. The risk of disease depends on many factors, including how much asbestos is in the air and how often and for how long exposure occurs
Infants are not likely to be exposed to asbestos through breast milk. Read more about asbestos and your health and protecting your family from exposures to asbestos.
Insect repellents
When used as directed, EPA-registered insect repellents are safe and effective for breastfeeding women. Breastfeeding mothers should keep the repellent away from their nipple area, so their child does not get any in his or her mouth while feeding.
In addition, breastfeeding mothers should:
- Use insect repellents according to the directions on the label.
- Use them only when needed.
- Wash repellents off when no longer exposed to insects.
Learn more about Repellents: Protection against Mosquitoes, Ticks and Other Arthropods.
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)
PFAS are man-made chemicals used in non-stick cookware, water-repellent clothing, stain resistant fabrics, some cosmetics, and products that resist grease, water, and oil.
Babies can be exposed to PFAS while breastfeeding. However, given the scientific understanding at this time, the benefits of breastfeeding outweigh any potential risks of PFAS exposure through breast milk. Mothers are encouraged to discuss questions or concerns with their health care provider.
Learn more about PFAS and breastfeeding.
Pesticides, herbicides, and fungicides
Pesticides are used to destroy or control unwanted insect pests (insecticides) or rodent pests (rodenticides). Herbicides are used to kill weeds, and fungicides are used to kill fungi. Pesticides are used in many workplaces and homes. Pesticides, herbicides, or fungicides can be inhaled, ingested by eating foods that were sprayed with these chemicals, or absorbed through the skin.
Some of these chemicals may pass into breast milk, but studies on the effects of this exposure are lacking, so we don't know what level of exposure is safe for breastfeeding. Breastfeeding mothers should try to reduce exposure to these chemicals as much as possible.
To learn how to reduce exposure, see Pesticide Safety Tips.
Wildfire smoke
Mothers may continue to breastfeed after wildfire smoke exposure. However, they should remove smoke particles from their skin. They should also reduce chemical contaminants brought into a vehicle or the home on clothes, skin, shoes, and hair.
As soon as the mother is able, she should:
- Remove the contaminated clothing and shoes and either wash the clothes promptly or keep them separated in a closed hamper until ready to wash.
- Promptly take a shower so these chemicals are not absorbed into the bloodstream.
Learn more about safe infant and child feeding during a disaster from CDC's Infant and Young Child Feeding in Emergencies Toolkit.