ABSTRACT
After 40 years of collecting data on pollutant injury to the breast, the scientic and medical communities have become increasingly aware of the damage that pollutants can cause. Although the nding of DDT in breast milk led to the banning of this pesticide in 1972, not only the baby’s but the mother’s health causes the most concern for the effects of this chemical on the breast. However, as many as 20 years ago, data showed the possible effects of high levels of pesticides found in breast tissue. This chapter on the breast presents observations of anatomy and physiology and the real and prevalent effects of pollutants on breast tissue. Since the breast is essentially composed of fat globules and lymphatic tissue, it attracts and stores pollutants. Much evidence suggests that this tissue then becomes increasingly vulnerable to disease.1
