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Weed killer found in breast milk Women in lactation should avoid toxins
Breast milk contaminated with weed killer
Although breastfeeding is perfect for the immune system, if breast milk is contaminated with hazardous substances, it may also be dangerous for the baby. The Greens now warn of possible health risks in view of residues of the weed killer glyphosate in breast milk samples. As the news agency dpa reports, the Greens had the breast milk of 16 breastfeeding women from different federal states tested for stress. Glyphosate levels were reported to be between 0.210 and 0.432 nanograms per milliliter of milk. For drinking water 0.1 nanograms are allowed. One nanogram is one billionth of a gram.
Toxins detected in breast milk. (Image: cicisbeo - fotolia) Professor calls values "unsustainable"
These values are "unsustainable," said Irene Witte, a professor at the Institute of Toxicology at the University of Oldenburg. "I would not have expected such high residue levels in breast milk, since glyphosate is highly water- and not fat-soluble," said the scientist. She said that while 16 samples were not conclusive, they were a first indication. Witte demanded that the examinations should urgently be extended to more women and their dietary habits should be considered.
During lactation abstain from stimulants
According to Christian Albring from the professional association of gynecologists, the residues of glyphosate found at this concentration pose no risk to the baby. However, there are also other substances that should not be allowed to enter breast milk. Albring pointed out that mothers during lactation should largely abstain from stimulants. Therefore, the baby gets the greatest burden on the mother's milk over pleasure poisons, especially nicotine, alcohol and caffeine. "No nicotine in lactation, alcohol and coffee only in exceptional cases, so that is an important cornerstone for the health of the baby laid," said Albring. He further explained that some medicines that are critical in pregnancy can be taken while breastfeeding because they do not or only slightly accumulate in breast milk. However, it is always advisable to consult with a doctor beforehand. According to experts, breastfeeding is always preferable to diet with convenience food. The child is thus also supplied with immunoglobulins, which can fend off bacteria and viruses. In addition, breastfeeding lowers the risk of diabetes for mothers, stress nutrition experts.
In Germany authorized substance "probably carcinogenic"
According to the Agriculture Ministry, glyphosate has been used since 1974, especially in weed control. According to this, cereals and oilseed rape are sometimes treated with it even before harvesting. Although it is disputed whether glyphosate is harmful to health, it is approved in a total of 27 EU countries. In a report from December 2013, the Federal Office of Consumer Protection and Food Safety (BVL) sees no danger to human and animal health. However, critics have been pointing out for years that glyphosate is carcinogenic. And in March of this year, the World Health Organization (WHO) cancer agency IARC also classified the drug as "probably carcinogenic.".
Consider each stress as significant
This classification resulted in some violent reactions. As might be expected, the manufacturer Monsanto demanded a revocation of this review. In Colombia was also responded. It was reported that coca should no longer be destroyed there with dangerous glyphosate. The drug has been used in the South American country since the 1990s against illegal drug cultivation. Witte explained that if glyphosate was truly carcinogenic, then any load should be considered significant. "Then there are no limits anymore. Every molecule could already cause cancer. "However, a high concentration naturally increases the probability of a disease.
Greens demand consequences
The issue is also current, as approval for glyphosate in the European Union expires at the end of the year and the active substance is being re-examined for renewal. As a responsible rapporteur, Germany has a prominent position - and, based on the BVL report, initially has no reservations. At the request of the dpa, a spokesman for the ministry said that the report had been "prepared after intensive and careful technical examination of current knowledge". At present, the Federal Institute for Risk Assessment sees "no reason to change its preliminary assessment of the active substance". By contrast, the Greens demand consequences. Chairwoman of the Environment Committee, Bärbel Höhn, said: "The federal government must withdraw glyphosate from circulation until the question of the cancer-causing effect has been clarified." (Ad)