DDE and length of lactation

Higher levels of DDE, the major degradation product of DDT, have been related to shorter duration of breast-feeding in prior studies.  If DDE shortens lactation, this has public health implications regarding infant mortality and the use of DDT for malaria control.  In http://www.ehponline.org/docs/2007/10550/abstract.html, the authors examine the relationship between maternal DDE concentrations with length of subsequent lactation.  They conclude that the data from this relatively large study in a highly exposed area of Mexico did not support the hypothesis that exposure to DDE shortens length of lactation, and thus the association seen in women who previously breast-fed was likely attributed to a noncausal mechanism. Nonetheless, the authors note that DDT may have other potential adverse effects which are in need of study.