Women with spic and span homes could be twice as likely to get breast cancer. A study found a potential link between the use of cleaning chemicals and breast cancer risk. We clean our house to keep it free from harmful contaminants. We normally equate clean with commercial cleaning products to take away dirt and filth not knowing its introducing toxic chemicals into our home. Cleaning chemicals may contribute to breast cancer because it contains mammary gland carcinogens and endocrine disrupting chemicals.
Breast cancer risks were twice likely to appear with women who use cleaning chemicals and air fresheners the most than those who use them least. Solid air freshener and mildew and mould control users were both associated with 70% increased risk. Results of this study suggest that the use of cleaning chemicals contributes to increased breast cancer risk.
Cleaning chemicals and air fresheners are of interest in breast cancer research because many ingredients contain endocrine disrupting compounds and mammary gland carcinogens in animals. Some compounds affect growth of estrogen –sensitive human breast cancer cells. Animals exposed to chemicals found in cleaning agents are observed to have mammary gland tumors. Mammary gland development in rats may affect tumor susceptibility. The laboratory studies gives evidence of widespread human exposure to cleaning chemicals containing mammary gland carcinogens may contribute to breast cancer in humans.
Cleaning chemicals that contribute to increase breast cancer risk are:
Alkylphenols – are found in detergents and other cleaning products. This chemical is an endocrine disruptor that alters mammary gland development in rats.
Synthetic musks – found in fabric softeners, detergents and air fresheners, prevents cells from blocking toxins in animal study.
Phthalates – found in air fresheners, household cleaners and plastics. Endocrine disruptor and may cause organ damage and cancer.
Formaldehyde – found in spray and wick deodorizers and air fresheners is a suspected carcinogen.
Terpenes – used in household cleaners and air fresheners with pine, lemon and orange scents. Terpenes produces toxic chemical substance similar to formaldehyde which is a known carcinogen.
PERC (perchloroethylene) a dry-cleaning chemical accumulates in body fat and remain in the body increase the risk of breast cancer.
1,4-dichlorobenzene – found in toilet bowl cleaners, air fresheners and other household cleaning products. This chemical damages the lungs and cause organ system toxicity.
Benzene – found in household cleaning products is a known human carcinogen and linked to increased blood diseases, leukemia and organ system toxicity.
Phenol – found in household detergents and mouthwash. This is toxic and linked to respiratory and circulatory system damage. Hypersensitive individuals can experience serious side effect at very low levels.
Styrene – found in many household cleaning products. This chemical is linked to cancer, organ system toxicity, problems with reproduction and birth or developmental defects.
NPE (Nonylphenol ethoxylates) found in laundry detergents and all-purpose cleaners. It’s a potent endocrine disrupter.
Butyl cellosolve – found in window cleaners and all-purpose cleaners may damage liver, kidneys, bone marrow and nervous system.
Triclosan – found in most antibacterial products. This chemical not only kills bacteria but human cells. This can affect thyroid hormones and metabolism.
Laboratory studies shows that many household cleaning chemicals contains toxins that increased breast cancer risk. Research is beginning to suggest just how exposure to cleaning chemicals can have a long-term health effects. Women in the cleaning services business particularly exposed to cleaning chemicals are at a greater risk for breast cancer.
Keep your home fresh and clean by using natural and eco-friendly cleaning products. Baking soda, vinegar and hydrogen peroxide are natural cleansers we can use. Products endorsed by eco-green groups like Top green cleaning products are environmental friendly and safe to use. Using natural cleaning products reduces exposure to toxins found in household chemical cleaners, air fresheners and pesticides and lowers the risk of breast cancer.
