MSU Extension Safe Food & Water

What is PFAS?

PFAS is a group of man-made chemicals that have raised health and environmental concerns. PFAS stands for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, and they’ve been used since the 1940s in products designed to resist heat, water and oil. Read more here on PFAS in the environment. PFAS don’t easily break down. They can travel through soil and water, and some types can build up in people and animals over time.

PFAS in Breast Milk

Although PFAS was detected in breast milk, the benefits of breastfeeding or providing human breast milk to infants outweigh potential risks of PFAS. A systematic review by Thoerig and colleagues, published in October 2025, examined U.S.-based studies measuring environmental contaminants in human breast milk and infant formula. The systematic review of the published literature found that:

• PFAS were detected in human milk samples, particularly two common types called PFOA and PFOS.
• PFAS were not detected in infant formula in the U.S. studies that were reviewed. This may be due to the strong ingredient sourcing and regulation for infant formula.
• More research is needed to better understand how these chemicals might transfer during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Breastfeeding Recommendation

Even though PFAS have been detected in breast milk, the CDC  and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) continue to recommend breastfeeding as the healthiest option for most infants. Per the CDC, even though PFAS have been detected in breast milk, studies have not shown a causal relationship with a specific health effect in infants. Breastfeeding benefits for mothers include a lower risk for ovarian and breast cancers, type 2 diabetes, and high blood pressure.

For the infant, breastfeeding reduces the risks of ear and respiratory infections, asthma, obesity, and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). The current recommendation by the AAP is exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months of life while continuing for 1-2 years along with appropriate complementary foods, as long as mutually desired by the mother and baby.

However, if you have any questions or concerns about PFAS exposure and breastfeeding, discuss it with your doctor. PFAS research is still ongoing to understand their effects on health. Current science suggests that the benefits of breastfeeding are well-documented and outweigh potential risks from PFAS exposure. If breastfeeding is not possible, powdered or liquid formulas can be used to feed infants, but it should be mixed according to instructions on the package with water from a safe source.

For additional resources, please visit other food safety and nutrition sites at Michigan State University Extension, such as the Safe Food = Healthy Babies website.