{
  "id": 14961709,
  "title": "Maternal cannabis use may expose infants to harmful compounds through breast milk",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/16/maternal-cannabis-use-may-expose-infants-to-harmful-compounds-through",
  "topic": "health",
  "section": "Health & Medicine",
  "published": "2026-10-16T13:20:14.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Medical Xpress",
    "slug": "medical-xpress",
    "url": "https://medicalxpress.com/news/2026-10-maternal-cannabis-expose-infants-compounds.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "A recent study from Washington State University reveals that infants whose mothers consume cannabis while breastfeeding may be exposed to harmful compounds through their breast milk. The research, published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, is the first to examine potential VOC exposure in infants of cannabis-using mothers. The study found detectable levels of 24 volatile organic compound metabolites in the infants' urine, with concentrations being higher following cannabis use compared to after abstaining. While this study provides evidence of potential VOC exposure, it does not establish a direct link to breast milk. The researchers emphasize the need for further investigation into the health risks associated with cannabis use during lactation and the potential long-term impacts on infants.",
  "summary": "Infants whose mothers smoked cannabis while breastfeeding had volatile organic compounds in their urine, a recent study shows.",
  "key_points": [
    "Study by Washington State University examines VOC exposure in infants of cannabis-using mothers.",
    "Detectable levels of 24 volatile organic compound metabolites found in infants' urine.",
    "Researchers call for further investigation into health risks of cannabis use during lactation."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}