Previous research by the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) showed that PFAS blood levels are too high in almost everyone in the Netherlands. This study on PFAS in breast milk, together with the blood research, provides information about how much PFAS people in the Netherlands are exposed to. 

Four PFAS occur most frequently  

RIVM studied the breast milk of 1,629 women across the Netherlands, examining 29 different PFAS. PFOS and PFOA were found in almost all samples. Four PFAS were present in 93 percent of the breast milk, namely PFOS, PFOA, PFNA and PFHxS. PFOS occurred most often and in the highest concentrations. Of the 29 PFAS, 21 were not detected or were barely detected. No data are available on the amount of TFA in breast milk.  

82 percent of women are below the PFAS risk limit 

RIVM compared PFAS levels with the risk limit for PFAS in breast milk. If the level is below that limit, no harmful effects for the child are expected. This was the case for 82 percent of the samples.  

In 18 percent of the breast milk samples, PFAS levels were above the risk limit. In such cases, harmful effects on the body cannot be ruled out. In children, PFAS can, for example, affect the functioning of the immune system. Whether children actually become ill as a result depends on various factors, such as genetics and living conditions.  

Breastfeeding is beneficial for mother and child 

Breast milk contains important nutrients. Some substances help protect against diseases. RIVM and the Netherlands Nutrition Centre advise continuing breastfeeding if possible, even though children may ingest PFAS through breast milk. The Nutrition Centre provides information and advice about breastfeeding.

Reducing PFAS exposure remains important 

In 2021 and 2023, RIVM calculated that people in the Netherlands ingest too much PFAS through food and drinking water. The results from the blood and breast milk studies confirm this. PFAS do not break down easily but they can slowly leave the body. To bring PFAS levels below the health-based guidance value in the long term, people’s exposure to PFAS therefore needs to be reduced.  

Companies and public authorities in particular can play a major role in this regard. PFOS was banned in 2008 and PFOA in 2020. To prevent replacing one PFAS with another, the Netherlands and other countries have proposed a European ban on all PFAS. A minimisation requirement applies to PFAS emissions, meaning companies must reduce PFAS emissions into water and air as much as possible. 

PFAS research 

For this study, RIVM collaborated with Amsterdam UMC and VU Amsterdam. It is part of extensive national research exploring ways to reduce PFAS exposure. This PFAS research programme aims to provide an understanding of the types of PFAS residents in the Netherlands are exposed to and in what quantities. It was commissioned by the Ministries of Infrastructure and Water Management (I&W), Health, Welfare and Sport (VWS), and Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality (LVVN). If PFAS exposure can be reduced, PFAS levels in breast milk are expected to decrease as well. Repeating this study in the coming years will make it possible to assess whether measures to reduce PFAS exposure are effective.  

RIVM also carries out studies on PFAS and health.