NewScientist reports that "record levels of synthetic fragrances from everyday cleaning, deodorising and beauty products have been found in the breast milk of American women." The report is based on study conducted by Kurunthachalam Kannan of New York state's Department of Health. He found that levels of artificial chemicals called polycyclic musks, which may cause developmental and reproductive problems, are five times higher in American women today than levels in European women studied almost ten years ago. This high concentration is almost certainly the result of the widespread use of these chemicals in everyday household products.