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Chemical in lipstick, nail polish may cause breast cancer11 December, 2007 Ingredients present in lipsticks and toys may lead to breast cancer and other serious maladies. A chemical used very often to soften plastic and in lipstick, nail polish and other everyday items may hinder the development of healthy breast tissue, eventually resulting in breast cancer, says a study. Butyl benzyl phthalate (BBP), used in toys, has been linked in past studies to birth defects, kidney problems, infertility and stunted sex organ development in male babies. Butyl benzyl phthalate is found in most household objects such as plastic pipes, vinyl floor tiles and carpet backing to lipsticks. It has also been found to be an endocrine disruptor, which mimics the effect of hormones. Endocrine disruptors are known to damage wildlife and have also been blamed for reduced sperm counts and neurological problems in humans. According to a study, published in the online journal BMC Genomics, lactating rats which were fed butyl benzyl phthalate – which mimics the female hormone estrogen – passed it on to their offspring through their breast milk. The new study was conducted by scientists at the Fox Chase Cancer Center in Philadelphia, the United States. Butyl benzyl phthalate, which accumulates in fat cells, alter breast tissue in infants, leading to an increase the risks of breast cancer later in life. The rats were fed an amount of BBP estimated to be equivalent to the American Environmental Protection Agency’s safe dose for humans. Dr Jose Russo, leader of the research team, said in a press release, “We are the first to report that neo-natal/pre-pubertal exposure to BBP-induced modifications in the gene expression of the mammary tissue. This is an indication that the same could happen in humans. Even if an individual is exposed to it in the beginning of life, BBP can cause alterations later in life.” The findings are important, Dr Jose Russo added, since the researchers are studying the lifetime effect of BBP on the mammary gland, long before it starts developing under the influence of the hormones of puberty, and the potential implications on humans. Owing to lasting genetic changes in the breast, exposure to BBP could increase the risk for developing breast cancer later in life. Explains Dr Russo, “To prevent breast cancer in adulthood, it is necessary to protect both the newborn child and the mother from exposure to this compound that has an estrogenic effect and could act as an endocrine disruptor.” Dr Jose Russo and his colleagues are at present evaluating how changes in gene expression caused by BBP respond to cancer-causing chemicals given to adult rats. According to Dr Ted Schettler, science director at the Science and Environmental Health Network, in Ames, Iowa, the United States, “we are also studying the effects of exposure to BBP before birth. In addition, we are following a cohort of girls entering puberty for determining the tempo of breast development and their first menstrual period and associating these events with exposure to environmental agents such as BBP.” He said scientists are only beginning to learn how many genes are affected by exposure to chemicals early in life. Dr Ted Schettler believes that people ought to be aware of the possible effects of chemicals on genes during early life, and how these changes can influence vulnerability to disease in adulthood.
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