Influence of lead pollution on breast-feeding

The aim of the study was to determine the influence of environmental pollut ion on milk concentration of lead in lactating women living in two differen t hazardous waste areas of the Arezzo district. A group of 112 nursing wome n, 48 of them living in a low lead hazard area (A Area) and 64 in a moderat e lead hazard area (B Area), were investigated for concentrations of lead i n breast milk. The concentration of lead in both breast milk and airborne p articulate matter was measured by a graphite furnace atomic absorption spec troscopy. Breast milk lead was positively associated with concentrations of lead in the airborne particulate matter. Breast milk lead levels were not alarming, even in women living in B area where mean lead concentration was about 20 mg/L (range 15-23 mg/L). The airborne particulate matter lead cont ent affected breast milk lead concentration. Breast milk does not represent a dangerous source of lead exposure for infants, both in low and moderate hazard areas.