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• Chemicals Linked to Breast Cancer
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  • State of the Evidence 2010
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Chemicals in Household Products

We pay a price for all of our modern conveniences: Our homes are now filled with man-made substances that include all sorts of synthetic chemicals, some of which are known carcinogens linked to breast cancer.

Everyday items such as furniture, cleaning products, paint and plastic dishes can introduce harmful chemicals into our environment and our bodies. And we're exposed to lots of potentially hazardous substances that you might not even think of, from dry-cleaning chemicals to the non-stick surface on our frying pans. 

To add to the problem, even though we normally equate clean with healthy, most commercial cleaning products take away dirt and grime but leave behind harmful chemicals.

Following are some of the toxic chemicals commonly found in homes, along with descriptions of what they are, where they’re found and why they're bad. Check out our Tips for Prevention section to learn how to avoid them.

Household Pesticides

Many pesticides, including herbicides and other pest-killing poisons, have been labeled as human or animal carcinogens. A common chemical in pesticides, dichlorvos, is associated with mammary tumors in rats or mice. Another, glyphosate, has been linked to non-Hodgkins lymphoma.

• Commercial pesticides and breast cancer

PBDEs

Used as flame retardants, PBDEs can be released into the environment from degrading foam in furniture cushions and mattresses. PBDEs are endocrine disruptors, and while little data currently exists related to breast cancer, this class of chemicals continues to be of concern.

Tetrachloroethylene (PERC)

Tetrachloroethylene, also known as perchloroethylene or PERC, is a common dry-cleaning chemical. This chemical accumulates in body fat and may therefore remain in the body for a long period of time. Studies have shown that women exposed to this chemical have an increased risk for breast cancer. Short-term exposure may cause skin irritation, dizziness and headaches.

Alkylphenols

Alkylphenols are industrial chemicals used in the production of detergents and other cleaning products. They're also found in personal care products, especially hair products, and are an active component in many spermicides. Alkylphenols are endocrine disruptors that have been shown to alter mammary gland development in rats.

Dyes in Cleaning Products

Dyes in cleaning products are often unlabeled on the products' ingredient lists, but are often comprised of several different chemicals, some of which are known carcinogens. Although there is no data on breast cancer specifically, these chemicals are rarely necessary, particularly considering potential risks.

Mercury

Mercury and metals like iron, nickel, chromium, zinc and lead are found in some thermometers and paint. Higher accumulations of these metals have been found in cancerous breast biopsies as compared to biopsies taken from women without breast cancer. Lab studies have shown that methyl mercury can disrupt hormone-regulated cellular processes.

Lead

Lead can be found in old paint and household pipes. Higher accumulations of metals like lead, mercury, iron, nickel, chromium and zinc have been found in cancerous breast biopsies as compared to biopsies taken from women without breast cancer. These metals have also been found in higher levels in serum samples of women diagnosed with cancer as compared with healthy women.

Cadmium

Cadmium is another metal, used in rechargeable batteries and until recently was widely used in the manufacture of pigments, metal coatings and plastics. It is an estrogen-mimicking chemical that has been linked to early puberty and differences in mammary tissue structure, two known risk factors for breast cancer.