[Report] PFAS in breast milk of Dutch women
By Dutch National Institute for Public Health and the Environment
July 1, 2026
DOI: 10.21945/RIVM-2026-0028
PFAS is present everywhere in the environment. Previous studies by RIVM have revealed that almost everyone in the Netherlands has too much PFAS in their blood. RIVM has now investigated how much PFAS is present in breast milk. The study also assessed how often there is too much PFAS in breast milk (in other words: higher than the 'risk limit').
RIVM conducted this study using the breast milk of 1629 Dutch women. PFAS was found in all the breast milk examined. In 82% of samples, the quantity was below the risk limit. This means that PFAS in such quantities in breast milk are not expected to lead to harmful effects.
The study looked at 29 different PFAS substances. At least two types of PFAS (PFOS and PFOA) were present in practically every sample. Four types were found in 93% of the samples (PFOS, PFOA, PFNA and PFHxS). Of these types, PFOS was found to be present most often and in the largest quantities. Of the 29 PFAS substances, 21 were either not found or only found rarely in breast milk.
Levels of PFAS exceeding the risk limit were found in 18% of breast milk in the study. At such levels, PFAS can have an impact on the body. In babies, if the exposure levels are too high, this can lead to the immune system functioning less effectively. This does not mean that these babies will immediately become ill as a consequence. The risk of illness depends on a number of circumstances, including heredity and living conditions.
This study is part of a large-scale study in the Netherlands into the possibilities of reducing exposure to PFAS. One of the aims of this PFAS research programme is to provide an insight into the types and quantities of PFAS to which the residents of the Netherlands are exposed. This study was commissioned by the ministries of Infrastructure and Water Management (IenW), Health, Welfare and Sport (VWS) and Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security and Nature (LVVN). If it is possible to reduce exposure to PFAS, it is expected that the amount in breast milk will also decrease.
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