Lead exposure during breastfeeding.
OBJECTIVE
Owing to the recent concerns of lead (Pb) leaking into tap water, one of our female patients is concerned about the effects of Pb exposure to newborns while breastfeeding. How should I advise her and should she switch to formula feeding?


CONCLUSIONS
Lead exposure through drinking tap water while breastfeeding is not associated with any serious concerns in most available studies. There is currently no safe level of Pb exposure, but environmental exposure within Canada is low. At present, Pb levels in drinking water are carefully monitored by Health Canada and are not likely to be of concern to breastfeeding mothers. Switching to formula feeding is not necessary and not recommended, as improperly prepared formula can have higher Pb levels.
Choi
Jacquelyn
J
Tanaka
Toshihiro
T
Koren
Gideon
G
Ito
Shinya
S
D001942:Breast Feeding; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007854:Lead / Q000494:pharmacology*; D007855:Lead Poisoning / Q000209:etiology*; D008895:Milk, Human / Q000378:metabolism*; D018570:Risk Assessment; D014877:Water Pollution, Chemical / Q000009:adverse effects*; D014881:Water Supply
D007854:Lead