Talc, antiperspirants may cause ovarian, breast cancer

14 September, 2007

Studies have once again suggested that chemicals used in cosmetics such as talc could increase the risk of cancer.

According to a study reported in the International Journal of Cancer in August 2007, examination of 3,000 women who regularly put talc in their underwear had a 17% higher risk of ovarian cancer than those who did not.
This follows a number of studies that have made a similar link, including an extensive one a few years ago, which suggested that such use of talc might increase the risk of ovarian cancer by 33% (from a baseline risk of 2% over a lifetime).

Talc is not the only commonly used product to have aroused suspicion recently.

In the first week of September 2007, it was reported that new research funded by the British breast cancer charity Genesis suggests a potential link between aluminum in antiperspirants and breast cancer. Aluminum salts are widely used in antiperspirants, as they are highly effective in preventing sweat.

A small-scale study carried out by Dr Chris Exley of Keele University, the United Kingdom, showed that, of breast tissue taken from 17 patients who had had mastectomies, all had higher concentrations of aluminum in the breast tissue closest to the underarm.

Dr Exley explained that he does not actually know if aluminum originated from antiperspirant, but “one can put two and two together and make a guess on that. Aluminum is known to cause cancer in animal models.”

It was reported in Britain earlier in 2007 that “each of us can expect to absorb 4lb 6oz of chemicals through our skin each year.” On an average, women in Britain apparently use 12 makeup and skincare products every day, a combination that can contain as many as 175 different chemicals.

For some years now, the Women’s Environmental Network (WEN), a British organization, has been calling attention to the dangers it suspects are lurking in the osmetics. Liz Sutton, WEN’s communications coordinator, specifically highlights parabens (also known as alkyl parahydroxy benzoates) as a source of potential concern.

Parabens, used as preservatives in a wide range of cosmetic products, have been linked to dermatitis and allergies. According to Liz Sutton, parabens are also linked to hormone disruption – specifically as estrogen mimics, which some fear might contribute to the development of breast cancer.

Another group of compounds that concerns WEN are the plasticizers known as phthalates, which are used in many cosmetic products to give them a smooth texture and durability. There is a growing body of evidence that these are a threat to fertility and reproductive health, adds Liz Sutton.

There are potential dangers elsewhere, too. In June 2007, the Trading Standards Institute of the United Kingdom had reported that 18 out of 20 teeth-whitening kits that it had tested (bought over the counter or the internet) contained illegal levels of hydrogen peroxide, or bleach. High levels of bleach cause chemical burns to the mouth, and could also worsen gum disease and cause heightened sensitivity in teeth.

This was followed by a report in the New York Times that environmental organizations in the United States are concerned about the health of the country’s 300,000 nail-salon workers and their children.

A study by researchers at the University of Toronto, Canada, found that children whose mothers had been working in nail salons during pregnancy performed poorly in tests for cognitive function, attention, and language. Three chemicals commonly used in nail salons – toluene, formaldehyde, and dibutyl phthalate – have all been linked to cancer and birth defects.

OPI Products, one of the leading suppliers to nail salons, had announced in 2006 that it was removing dibutyl phthalate from products and that will phase out using toluene in 2007.