Study Lists Everyday Chemicals Linked to Breast Cancer
In a paper published in the peer-reviewed journal Environmental Health Perspectives, scientists list 17 chemicals that are common in everyday life. They also give tips on how women can minimise their exposure.
The chemicals included those found in gasoline, diesel and other vehicle exhaust, flame retardants, stain-resistant textiles, paint removers, and disinfection by-products in drinking water.
"The study provides a road map for breast cancer prevention by identifying high-priority chemicals that women are most commonly exposed to and demonstrates how to measure exposure," said study author Ruthann Rudel, research director of the Silent Spring Institute.
"This information will guide efforts to reduce exposure to chemicals linked to breast cancer, and help researchers study how women are being affected," she said.
According to the study, some of the biggest sources of mammary carcinogens in the environment are benzene and butadiene, which can come from vehicle exhaust, lawn equipment, tobacco smoke and charred food. Other concerns are cleaning solvents like methylene chloride, pharmaceuticals used in hormone replacement therapy, some flame retardants, chemicals in stain-resistant textiles and nonstick coatings, and styrene which comes from tobacco smoke and is also used to make Styrofoam.
The researchers said carcinogens can also be found in drinking water.
Every woman exposed
Whilst every woman is exposed to chemicals that may increase her risk of developing breast cancer, toxic chemicals and breast cancer has largely been ignored, said co-author Julia Brody. “Reducing chemical exposures could save many, many women’s lives."
She said the paper is the first to comprehensively list potential breast carcinogens and detail ways for experts to measure them in women’s blood and urine.
Ways to avoid exposure
The researchers listed 7 tips for women to avoid the said chemicals.
· Limit exposure to exhaust from vehicles or generators, don’t idle your car, and use electric lawn mowers, leaf blowers and weed whackers instead of gas-powered ones.
· Use a ventilation fan while cooking and limit how much burned or charred food you eat.
· Do not buy furniture with polyurethane foam, or ask for furniture that has not been treated with flame retardants.
· Avoid stain-resistant rugs, furniture and fabrics.
· If you use a dry-cleaner, find one who does not use PERC (perchloroethylene) or other solvents. Ask for "wet cleaning."
· Use a solid carbon block drinking water filter.
· Keep chemicals out of the house by taking off your shoes at the door, using a vacuum with a HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filter, and cleaning with wet rags and mops.
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