Transgenerational Exposures: Persistent Chemical Pollutants in the Environment and Breast Milk

Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) are anthropogenic chemicals that are poorly biodegradable and have the potential for adverse human health effects. Although national regulations and an international treaty have resulted in the gradual decline of many POPs in human blood and breast milk, the levels of other POPs continue to rise. Children and developing fetuses are sensitive to health effects from these substances. This article reviews the health risks posed by the POPs that have been largely banned or regulated and the potential for health effects from a variety of other chemicals in widespread use today.