Abstract

Background: Carcinogenic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), particularly benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) and the EFSA-recommended PAH4 index (benzo[a]pyrene, benzo[a]anthracene, benzo[b]fluoranthene, and chrysene), can accumulate in human breast milk following maternal exposure. Aim: This study aimed to determine BaP and PAH4 levels in breast milk samples of lactating mothers in Hungary and to evaluate demographic, lifestyle, dietary, and environmental predictors of these carcinogenic PAHs. Methods: Breast milk samples (n = 50) were analyzed using high-performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection (HPLC/FLD). Due to the right-skewed distribution of PAH concentrations, BaP and PAH4 values were log10-transformed before statistical analysis. Associations between log10-transformed PAH concentrations and maternal variables were assessed using t-tests, Pearson correlation, and multivariable linear regression. Results: BaP was detected in 32 of 50 samples (64%), whereas PAH4 was detectable in 44 of 50 samples (88%). Frequent milk consumption was independently associated with higher log10-transformed PAH4 concentrations in multivariable analysis. Samples collected during the heating season tended to show higher carcinogenic PAH levels compared to those obtained outside the heating period. Other demographic and lifestyle factors showed no consistent independent associations. Conclusions: Lifestyle and environmental factors, particularly dietary habits and seasonal exposure, contribute to carcinogenic PAH levels in breast milk among Hungarian mothers. Identifying modifiable determinants may support strategies to reduce infant exposure.

Keywords