Sharyle Patton, Commonweal, Box 316, Bolinas, CA 94924, (415)868-0970, spatton@igc.org

Ms. Patton will discuss the most current research about the effects of toxic chemicals in breast milk and how information about contaminated breastmilk has been used by advocacy groups to change chemical policies. Special attention will be paid to the recently introduced California biomonitoring legislative initiative, and its current status in the California political process. She will discuss the goals of the bill and expected outcomes if this measure is passed. Patton will also describe the processes which have helped create this bill, including a history of discussions between breastfeeding advocacy groups and environmental groups which have impacted such deliberations as the recently- concluded UN Stockholm convention for the Elimination of Persistent Organic Pollutants.

Learning Objectives:

• 1. Learn about the advantages and disadvantages of monitoring breastmilk for the presence of toxic chemicals, and become familiar with how concerns about how such studies may dissuade parents from choosing to breastfeed may be addressed.
• 2. Learn about the California legislative initiative which will mandate biomonitoring, beginning with pilot studies using breastmilk, and how this initiative is designed to incorporate input from health professionals, scientists and community groups to develop better health care practices and to work for reduction or elimination of toxic chemical exposures to highly exposed communities.
• 3. Learn how the issue of breastmilk and its cargo of chemicals has been used by advocacy groups to change regulations regarding chemical use, how the data has been used by governments to enact policy change, and how breastfeeding advocacy groups are working with environmental or health advocacy groups to ensure that the public is well informed about the critical importance of breastfeeding to baby and mother health, despite the presence of toxic chemicals in breastmilk.

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.