Estimation of cadmium and mercuryconcentrations in milk of nursing mothers in early stages of breastfeeding in al-Muthanna governorate

الملخص EN

The aim of this study was measuring the concentrations of cadmium and mercury in milk of nursingmothers who living in Al-Muthanna governoratein southern of Iraq, 62 samples of mother's milk were collected after six weeks of birth at the maternity and children hospital in Samawah city, from 13/11/2016 to 23/4/2017.

Samples were divided according to living area, job, smoking and age.

The average of cadmium and mercury concentrations were (1.09) (0.31) μg/dl respectively, the highest measured values of cadmiumandmercury concentrations were (3.62) and(0.75) μg/dlrespectively.

The study showed a significant difference in the rates of cadmium and mercury concentrations of lactating mothers living in urban areas than those who living in rural areas.The rates of cadmium and mercury concentrations for employee and workers mothers were significantly higher than those of non-working mothers.Cigarette smoke had the greatest effect on levels of cadmium and mercury concentrations.

These concentrations for lactating mothers who smoked or directly exposed to cigarette smoke were higher thannon-smokers.

the study showed a very small increase in concentrations of cadmium and mercury among lactating mothers who are over 25 years than under age of 25 years.