[Promotion Program Health Survey (SGO). IX. Evaluation of the program section 'Toxicology'].

As a part of the SGO Health Research Promotion Programme, in collaboration with the Toxicological Research Stimulation Programme, a research programme in the field of toxicology was realized. The study ran from 1990 to 1994 (4 years) and comprised animal and clinical research into the possible adverse effects of exposure of the foetus and the neonate to polychlorobiphenyls (PCBs), polychlorodibenzoparadioxins and polychlorodibenzofurans via the placenta and maternal milk. The clinical studies in neonates revealed a slight alteration of the thyroid metabolism (still within normal limits) after increased exposure to dioxides and PCB (as measured in maternal plasma, cord plasma and maternal milk), while slight neurological abnormalities without clinical relevance were also observed. It is concluded from these study results that there are no grounds to advise against breast feeding.