It is no news that most people around the globe battle against breast cancer, especially women. There are endocrine and genetic causes listed, but what about the original risk factor? Plastics, which we use contain chemicals that are carcinogenic.
According to report from plastChem, a research group, 15 classes of chemicals with their members are harmful. Eighty-eight chemicals within these classes are known to cause breast cancer. These classes include:
- Salicylate esters
- Parabens
- Azodyes
- Benzophenones
- Chlorinated paraffins
- Benzothiazoles
- Aralkyl aldehyde
- Aromatic amines
- Aromatic ethers
- Acetophenones
- Alkylphenols
- Bisphenols
- Phthalates
- Organometallics
- Polyfluoroalkyl substances
Results from both animal and cell studies in laboratories have shown how these chemicals cause breast cancer. They cause mammary tumors, increased level of progesterone and estradiol synthesis. These plastic chemicals are known to activate estrogen receptors in breast too. High chemical levels in blood can also lead to genotoxicity risk.
Information like this is not just valuable for our health, but for the ecosystem as well. Many young women suffer twice as men from breast cancer. For this, hazardous chemicals used in plastics should be prohibited and banned. People should as well limit plastic use if they know they have a family history of breast cancer.