Pesticides in Mother’s Milk: In a research study conducted in Lucknow, doctors discovered the presence of pesticides in the breast milk of pregnant women, regardless of whether they followed a vegetarian or non-vegetarian diet.
The doctors from the Women and Childbirth Hospital of KGMU, Lucknow examined 130 pregnant women at Mary Queen’s Hospital to investigate the presence of pesticides in their breast milk.
Shocking results found in the study
The study, published in Environmental Research General, involved Professor Sujata Dev, Dr. Abbas Ali Mehndi, and Dr. Naina Dwivedi. Dr. Sujata revealed that although the milk of vegetarian women contained fewer pesticides compared to non-vegetarian women, pesticides were still detected in the breast milk of vegetarian women. The excessive use of pesticides during food cultivation was identified as the cause behind the presence of pesticides in breast milk.
Non-vegetarian women are more at risk
The study found that the level of pesticides in non-vegetarian women was three and a half times higher than that of vegetarian women. Furthermore, animals nowadays are administered various types of injections, which may contribute to the increased presence of pesticides.
The research demonstrated that even if infants do not consume grains or any other substances in the first few months after birth, they can still be exposed to pesticides through their mother’s milk.
To avoid chemicals and pesticides, do this work
To mitigate the risks associated with chemicals and pesticides, Professor Shiuli Rathore from the Forensic and Toxicology Department of King George’s Medical University emphasized the importance of thorough washing of vegetables and fruits. Given the prevalence of pesticide contamination in food items due to the lack of organic farming, it is crucial to wash vegetables and fruits diligently. Alternatively, soaking them in water for some time and then boiling them properly can help remove the pesticides before consumption.
Conclusion
Overall, this research serves as a wake-up call regarding the widespread presence of pesticides in breast milk and emphasizes the importance of implementing measures to minimize exposure to harmful chemicals. Further research and public awareness are needed to develop effective strategies for ensuring the safety of pregnant women and their infants.
