 Mothers who breast-feed their newborn babies may be exposing them to potentially harmful chemicals, according to a television investigation to be broadcast tonight. Scientists still insist that breast feeding is the best option for young babies. But experts have raised concerns that increased levels of toxins in the environment - including in household items like washing powder and mobile phones - could be harmful. Katherine Tucker, from Tufts University in Boston, Massachusetts, tells ITV1's Tonight with Trevor McDonald programme toxins entered the environment through industrial pollution. "They accumulate in the fatty tissues of fish and animal products we use in food. Dioxins have been shown in animals to be related to cancer and in some human studies there have been suggestions they may contribute to cancer," she said. "Children exposed to these chemicals may grow more slowly... they may have learning difficulty and may have difficulty in terms of movement and co-ordination. "Breast milk is the first and largest dose of these toxic chemicals that children are exposed to - other than in utero which is also important. "Because children are growing so rapidly this is precisely the time when these toxic chemicals can interfere with normal development." Ms Tucker, who worked on reducing toxin levels in pregnant women in the US, advised prospective mothers to "try to rely on a less chemical environment in your own home". "Don't get your clothes dry-cleaned, eat organically, throw out the super-strength cleaners," she said. Dr Vyvyan Howard, a toxicology expert at Liverpool University, who is working on a trial of ways to reduce toxins in women before they become pregnant, said older mothers were at greater risk. He added: "None of these compounds were around before. When our grandparents were in the womb they weren't exposed to these chemicals." The programme claimed to have tested eight women from Nottingham, all of whom showed positive traces of four potentially harmful chemicals. The chemicals included brominated flame retardants, used in electrical goods including mobile phones, synthetic musks, which are artificial fragrances used in toiletries, and pesticides. | 
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