LIFE MILCH: protecting new life from harmful chemicals

The LIFE MILCH project, now in its fifth year, has brought together some of Europe’s foremost pediatric and maternal health experts from four of Italy’s leading universities and health institutions.  

Their initial findings - presented at the prestigious 2023 Italian Society of Paediatric Endocrinology and Diabetology (SIEDP) National Congress - make for alarming reading. The study of more than 650 mother-and-baby pairs detected potentially harmful endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) in both breastmilk and urine samples. 

LIFE MILCH aims to raise awareness among both pregnant and breastfeeding women about chemical contamination from endocrine disruptors found in plastic packaging, disposable plastic tableware and cosmetics.  

‘Urgent action is required to reduce exposure, since breast milk is particularly susceptible to contamination yet at the same time the best food for babies,’ Professor Maria Elisabeth Street of the University of Parma and a member of the project’s team told the congress. ‘We must accept that contaminants in breast milk, which are always present, interact with each other and may have potentially greater harmful consequences later in life.’ 

Project coordinator Professor Paola Palanza, also from the University of Parma, says the initial research findings will help to develop a comprehensive education and information campaign. As well as awareness raising among mothers and mothers-to-be, LIFE MILCH also organises training sessions for science teachers at schools and universities, as well as medical students, family doctors, paediatricians, and gynecologists.  

‘Based on the data we have collected, we will provide an intervention policy and a guide with recommendations for pregnant and breastfeeding mothers, in order to raise awareness about their surrounding environment,’ she told the recent International Workshop on Neonatology and Pediatrics. ‘The samples we tested provide a snapshot of the actual environmental exposure to which mother-baby couples are subjected.’ 

Despite LIFE MILCH’s findings, the experts involved are all at pains to emphasise that breast feeding is still the best start in life for newborn babies. ‘These results should not raise frivolous alarmism,’ Professor Mariacarolina Salerno of the University of Naples Federico II told the congress. ‘Breastfeeding is beneficial for infants’ growth and health, and it should not be suspended but rather, should be protected. We should prevent the exposure to endocrine disruptors and act instead on the nutritional habits and lifestyle of women during pregnancy and breastfeeding.’ 

Among the project’s recommendations to reduce exposure to EDCs during pregnancy and breastfeeding are to: 

• limit the use of single-use plastics and plastic containers to store and heat food 

• avoid solvents, pesticides, herbicides and fungicides and use protective equipment if necessary 

• use natural cosmetics and hygiene products 

• rinse tinned fruit and vegetables thoroughly before eating 

• consume fresh and seasonal foods 

• follow a varied diet with foods from different suppliers 

• choose clothes made with natural fabrics. 

‘We would like to warn pregnant women to avoid as much as possible foods and drinks in plastic packaging, cosmetics and toothpastes containing microplastics and clothes made from synthetic fabrics,’ added Professor Street. 

However, LIFE MILCH isn’t without its moments of positivity and optimism - the project researchers had fun presenting their immersive experience “Free everyone from endocrine disruptors!” at the European Researchers’ Night at the University of Parma. Both adults and children were given an opportunity to explore this complex topic in a virtual supermarket complete with videos, memes and advertising. Another important outcome of the project will be promoting an “EDC-free” label, which would work as an informal certification of quality and enable consumers to manage risks and actively choose high quality “EDC-free” products. 

LIFE MILCH - which runs until September 2026 - supports the EU Regulation on Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH), the Prior Informed Consent Regulation and the Euro-Peristat Network, as well as the EU Global Health Strategy.