New Study Finds Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals in Breast Milk and Infant Urine

A new study presented at ENDO 2026, the annual meeting of the Endocrine Society in Chicago, has revealed the presence of endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) in breast milk and infant urine. Researchers analyzed samples from 336 mother-infant pairs enrolled in the LIFE-MILCH project and detected more than 50 chemicals, including bisphenols, phthalates, parabens, pesticides, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Bisphenol A (BPA) emerged as the most commonly detected chemical, appearing in over half of breast milk samples and a significant proportion of infant urine samples.

The study also found the presence of chemicals such as bisphenol S (BPS), methylparaben, ethylparaben, glufosinate, and dibutyl phthalate in both breast milk and infant urine. Researchers noted that exposure to these substances is largely linked to dietary habits and the use of personal and household care products. Experts warned that early-life exposure to endocrine disruptors could be associated with neurodevelopmental issues, hormonal imbalances, altered growth patterns, obesity, and reproductive health concerns, highlighting the need for greater awareness and preventive measures.