|
Epidemiological studies have shown that 90% of breast
cancers are environmental in origin, Dr. Darbre notes, and the major influence
is constant exposure to estrogen over a lifetime.
In light of this, we must consider our continuous exposure
to the hundreds, if not thousands, of chemicals that bombard us on a daily
basis. The chemicals that find their way to the breast’s fatty tissue are
potential endocrine disruptors that interfere with our body’s normal functions.
They can keep estrogen levels continually high, well above the norm.
Women are exposed to the highest levels of estrogens between
puberty and menopause, and levels vary during one’s regular monthly cycle. But
when breast tissue is consistently exposed to high levels, problems can arise.
We must therefore understand how environmental estrogenic
chemicals disrupt the endocrine system—a network of glands and hormones that
regulate many bodily functions. Endocrine glands produce hormones that are
released into the bloodstream, serving as chemical messengers that control
growth, metabolism, sexual development, and egg and sperm development, among
other functions. These glands include the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, pineal
gland, thyroid, parathyroid, pancreas, adrenal glands, ovaries and testes.
It’s important for women to take health matters into their
own hands, educating themselves about environmental estrogens and limiting
their exposure. The following table delineates the endocrine-disrupting
chemicals found in cosmetics and beauty products. Many are used in multiple
products, so it’s important to read product labels carefully.
|
Chemical Ingredient
|
Function and Product Categories
|
Health Information and Risks
|
|
Parabens
|
Synthetic preservative used in cosmetics, food and
pharmaceuticals
|
Found in human breast, cancer hazard, reproductive
developmental toxicity, illegal ingredient in EU
|
|
Phthalates
|
Plasticizer found in multiple products, including nail
polish and fragrances
|
Cancer hazard, reproductive developmental toxicity,
illegal ingredient in EU
|
|
Triclosan
|
Antiperspirant/deodorant preservative, facial cleanser,
liquid hand soap, facial moisturizer, acne treatment
|
Found in human breast milk, cancer hazard, reproductive
developmental toxicity, illegal ingredient in EU
|
|
Sunscreens
|
Absorb ultraviolet light
|
Penetration of human skin, mimics estrogen activity
|
|
Coal tar
|
Shampoo, dandruff scalp treatment, anti-itch rash cream
|
Cancer hazard, reproductive developmental toxicity,
illegal ingredient in EU
|
|
Hydroquinone
|
Skin fader/lightener, hair bleach and color, facial
moisturizer/treatment, powder
|
Cancer hazard, reproductive developmental toxicity,
illegal ingredient in EU
|
|
8-prenylnaringenin
|
Breast enhancers
|
Mimics estrogen activity
|
|
Miroestrol/deoxymiroestrol
|
Breast enhancers
|
Mimics estrogen activity
|
|
Cyclosiloxanes
|
Hair conditioner
|
Mimics estrogen activity
|
|
Aluminum salts
|
Antiperspirant
|
Measured in blood following application to human underarm,
endocrine disruptor
|
|
Formaldehyde
|
Nail treatment, flame-retardant products
|
Cancer hazard, reproductive developmental toxicity,
illegal ingredient in EU
|
|
Toluene
|
Nail polish and treatments
|
Cancer hazard, reproductive developmental toxicity,
illegal ingredient in EU
|
|
