Question from backermaga
Hi Debra – I am a nursing mom who was exposed to pvc vinyl and was wondering what the impacts are to my breast milk. My exposure was to a new vinyl product that I had unwrapped but placed in a storage container. When I opened up the container a few days later, I was overcome by the smell. I quickly removed the product outside and have aired out the room. However, I did have some respitory issues a few hours afterwards. I am wondering if the VOCs I inhaled will find their way to my breast milk, and if so, for how long.
Debra’s Answer
First, just in general, if you ever inhale something toxic, immediately exhale because much of it will come right back out in the exhale, before your body can absorb it.
I found a great reference for PVC called Polyvinyl Chloride “PVC” – The Hidden Home Hazard – A Guide for Health Care Professionals. On page 8 it says “distribution of inhaled Polyvinyl Chloride after inhalation exposure is rapid and widespread, but the storage in the body is limited by rapid metabolism and excretion.” So it is unlikely it stayed in your body for very long.
Wait a few days before breastfeeding to give your body a chance to metabolize and excrete the PVC. Drink lots of water, exercise, and sweat to help things along.
Also, the activated liquid zeolite detox drops I’ve been recommending will help situations like this.
