Problemi correnti
Latte materno, diossine e PCB
BREASTMILK, DIOXINS AND PCBs
Patrizia Gentilini1, Annamaria Moschetti2, Ernesto Burgio3, Michelangiolo Bolognini4, Stefano Raccanelli5, Adriano Cattaneo6
1Oncoematologo, Associazione Medici per l’Ambiente ISDE Italia; 2Pediatra di famiglia, ACP Puglia e Basilicata; 3Coordinatore Comitato Scientifico ISDE Italia; 4Medico igienista, ISDE Pistoia; 5Chimico ambientale, Consorzio INCA, Venezia; 6Epidemiologo, IRCCS Pediatrico “Burlo Garofolo”, Trieste
Ottobre 2011 - pagg. 510 -517
Abstract
The presence of dioxin and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in breastmilk and their transfer
to the infant represent the tip of the iceberg of a serious situation: the exposure in utero
and the subsequent damage to the foetus. Several populations, especially those living
in densely industrialised areas, are subject to increasing exposure to these and other pollutants.
Monitoring the contamination of breastmilk allows the present and past exposure
in a population to be estimated. Thanks to the control measures implemented after the
Stockholm Convention on persistent organic pollutants in 2004, the levels of contamination
are decreasing in Europe. Alarming situations persist, however, in some places: in Italy
these concentrate around densely industrialised areas and close to incinerators. In Taranto
and Montale (Pistoia), upon citizens’ initiatives, samples of breastmilk were analysed and
levels of dioxins far higher than those recommended as safe were found. In Montale, the
profile of PCBs found in breastmilk was exactly the same as the one of those released by
the incinerator. These results should not be used to discourage breastfeeding, which may
in fact represent an advantage, compared to non breastfeeding, for those infants already
exposed to the same substances in utero. They should be used instead, with the setting up
of a regular biomonitoring system by the competent authorities, to advocate for public policies
aiming at a different model of development that will safeguard the health of future generations.
Parole chiave
Classificazione MeSH
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Corrispondenza: patrizia.gentilini@villapacinotti.it