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Lead levels in human milk and children's health risk: a systematic review

Gina Ayumi Kobayashi Koyashiki1, Monica Maria Bastos Paoliello, Paul B Tchounwou

  • 1Department of Collective Health, Health Science Center, State University of Londrina, Parana, Brazil. ginakoyashiki@yahoo.com.br

Reviews on Environmental Health
|November 3, 2010
PubMed

Insights

This study reviewed lead (Pb) levels in human breast milk, finding significant variability. Human milk can serve as a biomarker for assessing children's lead poisoning risk.

Area of Science:

  • Environmental Health
  • Toxicology
  • Pediatrics

Background:

  • Lead (Pb) is a toxic metal causing severe developmental deficits in children.
  • Children's primary exposure routes are contaminated food, water, and soil.
  • Limited research exists on lead exposure risks via breast milk consumption.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To systematically review epidemiologic studies on lead levels in human breast milk.
  • To analyze study designs and analytical procedures for lead assessment.
  • To evaluate the potential risk of lead exposure through breast milk.

Main Methods:

  • Systematic literature review of epidemiologic studies published since the 1980s.
  • Inclusion criteria applied to 112 selected articles, with 11 meeting requirements.
  • Analysis of study designs, sample collection, and lead assessment protocols.

Main Results:

  • Lead levels in mature milk ranged from 0.15 to 6.1 microg L(-1).
  • Colostrum samples showed higher lead levels, from 0.48 to 14.6 microg L(-1).
  • The lead milk/blood ratio varied significantly (0.01–0.48), indicating diverse transfer efficiencies.

Conclusions:

  • Heterogeneity in study methods highlights the need for standardized protocols.
  • Human milk is a relevant biological matrix for assessing lead poisoning risk in children.
  • Further research with harmonized methods is crucial for accurate risk assessment.

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