Breast Carcinogens Widespread in the Environment

http://www.ewg.org/issues/toxics/20070517/index.php


May 17, 2007
Breast Carcinogens Widespread in the Environment
American Cancer Society Journal "Cancer"

In a major new study published in Cancer, a journal of the American Cancer Society, researchers from the Harvard Medical School and School of Public Health, the Roswell Park Cancer Institute in Buffalo, N.Y., USC's Keck School of Medicine, and the Silent Spring Institute concluded that more than 200 chemicals — many found in urban air and everyday consumer products — cause Breast Cancer in animal tests. According to the study authors, at least seventy-three of these breast carcinogens are present in consumer products or are food contaminants such as 1,4-dioxane in shampoos, or acrylamide in French fries.

These findings support the need for sweeping reform of the nation's toxic chemical laws. "The public health impacts of reducing exposures would be profound," the authors noted, adding that "Regulators have not paid much attention to potential mammary carcinogens."

"Overall, exposure to mammary gland carcinogens is widespread," the researchers wrote. "These compounds are widely detected in human tissues and in environments, such as homes, where women spend time."