It is currently known that many common chemicals promote the development of cancer in general, and breast cancer in particular. A comprehensive study by the Silent Spring Institute, published in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives, confirms this and gives us a little more detail on the subject.

The study was conducted on 17 families of chemicals that women come into contact with on a daily basis

Julia Brody, co-author of this study, believes that the links between toxic chemicals and breast cancer are too often ignored and that the lives of many women could be saved by reducing their exposure to these substances.

By searching the scientific literature more thoroughly, the researchers identified 102 chemicals that have been investigated and found to be linked to mammary tumors in rodents.

The processes of carcinogenesis in rodents and humans are similar. Therefore, the researchers believe that most or all of these substances are likely to promote breast cancer in women.

This is the first time that a complete list of potential breast carcinogens has been published

Dale Sandler, chief of epidemiology at the U.S. National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, said, "This paper is a thorough review of toxicological data and biomarkers relevant to human breast cancer.

So what does this list contain?

The researchers divided the 73 chemicals analyzed into 17 groups based on the structural similarities of the molecules, the degree of potential exposure, and the carcinogenic potency of the products.

The final list includes many ubiquitous chemicals including benzene and butadiene found in exhaust fumes, tobacco smoke, and the black stuff in grilled foods. Also mentioned is methylene chloride, a cleaning solvent, but also flame retardants, hormone substitutes and particles found in non-stick cookware coatings and stain-resistant fabrics. Carcinogenic particles also emanate from other sources such as polystyrene foam, glues or paint strippers, or products for disinfecting running water.

How can the data from this study be used to reduce breast cancer risk?

According to this research, there are seven key steps women should take to minimize their risk of exposure to these toxins.

1. Filter tap water either with a ceramic filter or with an osmosis machine.
2. Use a fume hood when cooking to avoid inhaling fumes.
3. Reduce consumption of grilled or roasted foods and prefer steaming or stewing.
4. Avoid exposure to exhaust and fuel vapors. Even for mowing your lawn, it is best to use mowers and other electric equipment.
5. In the house, eliminate chemical cleaning products as much as possible, choose a vacuum cleaner with a very powerful particle filter, avoid air conditioning systems and clean with a damp cloth to avoid circulating dust and toxic micro-particles in the air we breathe.
6. Avoid all products and accessories labeled "anti-stain" and "anti-fire": fabrics, rugs, furniture ... The ideal is to furnish with furniture and fabrics untreated and as natural as possible.
7. Wear clothes made of natural fibers that require water washing rather than dry cleaning, which uses perchloroethylene (PERC) and other volatile and highly toxic solvents.