INFANT EXPOSURE TO DIOXIN IN MOTHERS MILK RESULTING FROM MATERNAL INGESTION OF CONTAMINATED FISH

Polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (dioxin) have been detected in human milk, therefore infant exposure to dioxin from mother's milk may be an important exposure route. A mathematical model was developed and validated to evaluate the infant dose received during breast-feeding from a mother exposed to dioxin. As an example of a risk assessment application, the model was used to evaluate potential infant health risks associated with maternal consumption of fish at the FDA fish advisory for dioxin of 25 ppt. Although maternal exposures were within FDA guidelines, infant lifetime carcinogenic risks were elevated above the 1 x 10(-6)-risk level. In addition, the maximum daily dose (MDD) exceeded the oral RfD for noncarcinogenic effects. The model is shown to be a useful tool in the risk assessment process for lipophilic compounds.