Factors affecting the transfer of organochlorine pesticide residues to breastmilk

Existing studies monitoring organochlorine pesticide residues in breastmilk were examined to identify whether common factors determine the extent of t ransfer of these residues. A structured review of the English language lite rature was conducted. Papers were reviewed and assessed using a structured protocol. A total of 77 papers were initially identified, 46 of which conta ined conclusions relating to the factors which may affect the transfer of r esidues into breastmilk. Owing to the diversity of findings, papers were sc reened further to include only those in which a minimum of background infor mation relating to selection of mothers and to milk sampling procedures wer e reported. Only eight papers were deemed to contain adequate information. Age, parity/length of previous lactation, fat mobilisation and the time of sampling were identified as the most likely factors to be considered when a ssessing transfer of organochlorine pesticide residues into breastmilk. Thi s review highlights the difficulties of assessing trends in breastmilk cont aminants where comparable sampling procedures are not used. Crown Copyright (C) 2001 Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.