17 Everyday Chemicals Linked to Breast Cancer

The latest research shows chemicals from gasoline, vehicles exhaust, lawn equipment, smoking, and charred food increase the risk of breast cancer in women.

Researchers of the Silent Spring Institute listed 17 such hazardous chemicals in their study, published in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives.

"Every woman in America has been exposed to chemicals that may increase her risk of getting breast cancer," co-author Julia Brody said, according to The Associated Press.

"Unfortunately, the link between toxic chemicals and breast cancer has largely been ignored. Reducing chemical exposures could save many, many women's lives."

They include chemicals in gasoline, diesel and other vehicle exhaust, flame-retardants, stain-resistant textiles, paint removers, and disinfection byproducts in drinking water.

Some of the biggest sources of mammary carcinogens in the environment are benzene and butadiene, found in vehicle exhaust, lawn equipment, tobacco smoke, and charred food.

Researchers note that cleaning solvents like methylene chloride and other halogenated organic solvents used in spot removers, specialty cleaners and industrial degreasers also increase mammary carcinogens. Furthermore, styrene, which comes from tobacco smoke and is also used to make Styrofoam, is a contributing chemical.

"Reducing chemical exposures could save many, many women's lives," Brody said. "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 suggest some ways to avoid these chemicals. 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.

Following this study, the National Institutes of Health is prepared to test samples from approximately 50,000 women in order to closely evaluate and monitor direct causes of breast cancer, according to Daily Digest News.