A recent study conducted by the Occupational and Environmental Health Research Group at Stirling University in Scotland has concluded that women working with chemicals could increase their risk of breast cancer by as much as 42%. These shocking numbers were obtained by studying over 2,000 women, predominantly focusing upon Ontario, Canada as representative of the many industries and chemicals that modern women face. Researchers found that women working for a decade with harsh chemicals could increase their risk for breast cancer significantly.
What Kinds of Chemicals are Risky
In the study, women working manufacturing and agricultural jobs were studied. In each of these fields, researchers pointed out hazardous exposures to the following kinds of chemicals:
- acrylic and rayon fibers
- monoaromatic hydrocarbons
- pesticide residues
- lead and coating/painting emissions
- dangerous expoxies
- BPA
- second hand smoke
- metalworking fluids
- vehicle plastics
- dieldrin
How to Reduce Risk of Breast Cancer
According to researchers at the Mayo Clinic, one of the leading medical institutions in the country, there are several things that you can do to reduce your risk of breast cancer. These include:
- maintaining a healthy weight and a healthy lifestyle
- quitting smoking and limiting exposure to second hand smoke
- limit your alcohol intake
- exercise regularly (this will also help to control your weight!)
- limit or avoid exposure to chemicals, environmental pollutants
- stop taking risky hormone therapies