A latest research shows chemicals from gasoline, vehicles exhaust, lawn equipment, smoking and charred food increase the risk of breast cancer.
Researchers Ruthann A Rudel, Janet M Ackerman and Julia Green Brody of the Silent Spring Institute and Kathleen R. Attfield of Harvard School of Public Health listed 17 such chemicals responsible for breast cancer risk in their new study.
"Every woman in America has been exposed to chemicals that may increase her risk of getting breast cancer. Unfortunately, the link between toxic chemicals and breast cancer has largely been ignored," said Brody, executive director at Silent Spring Institute, reports the Agence France-Presse
"Reducing chemical exposures could save many, many women's lives. When you talk to people about breast cancer prevention, chemical exposure often isn't even on their radar. Studies that address toxic chemical exposure account for just a drop in the bucket of money spent on breast cancer."
Researchers stated that solvents, such as methylene chloride and other halogenated organic solvents used in spot removers, specialty cleaners and industrial degreasers, also increase mammary carcinogens. Furthermore, pharmaceutical hormones such as those in hormone replacement therapy, certain flame retardants used in furniture, a chemical used in stain-resistant textiles and non-stick coatings and styrene found in tobacco smoke and also used to make Styrofoam are also the contributing chemicals.
They also suggested some ways to avoid these chemicals. Researchers said that limiting the exposure to vehicle exhaust or generators, using ventilation fans while cooking, avoiding stain-resistant items can lower breast cancer risk. The team further said that using solid carbon block drinking water filter will also help.
A recent study by German and Danish researchers revealed that daily hygiene products such as sunscreens and toothpastes lead to infertility in men.
The findings were published in the journal 'Environmental Health Perspectives.'
