A group of researchers have just presented the European Parliament a report accuser. A number of chemicals, estrogen, pesticides, paints, plastics ... would be significant risk factors for the emergence of breast cancer. For these scientists, it should better assess the toxicity of synthetic products.
Why is the number of breast cancer increases there as quickly in developed countries? One woman in ten is reached at a moment of his life. Today well cared for, it is often recovered and the number of deaths caused by the disease does not increase. All European countries are in this together, but to varying degrees. The recent French study by the Institute of Health on cancer in France showed the same trends.
For Andreas Kortenkamp, head of the toxicology department at the University of London, who is studying this issue for several years, the environment plays a crucial role in the increase of cases. His work, condensed in a report, just introduced this Wednesday, April 2, 2008 to MEPs by the alliance for health and the environment (HEAL, Health and Environment Alliance) and the association CHEM Trust, which proposed for download in PDF format (Breast cancer and exposure to hormonally active chemicals). Two other reports, of which there are French versions are also available: Breast cancer: avoid what can be avoided and factors that influence the risk of breast cancer.
The report by Andreas Kortenkamp Scandinavian cites research that establishes a 27% risk of cancer linked to genetic factors and 67% higher than the environment. The case of Japanese migrants to the USA is also filed. While the incidence of breast cancer is low in Japan, Japanese emigrant population gradually reached the average rate observed in the USA.
Among the products most dangerous contained estrogen. This hormone linked to ovulation, is already a risk factor in its natural state as seen, "said Andreas Kortenkamp, that the early onset of rules and the late arrival of menopause increases the incidence of the disease. The contraceptive pill, which contains such hormones, the risk increases slightly (but it is shrinking in the years after stopping the pill). The treatments against menopause are also cited.
A chemical environment misjudged
But they are not alone. Many chemicals, very present in our environment, are being charged. Some insecticides, in particular, are part of the list. DDT is in the lead. It is no longer used in France but its by-products are still walking in nature, therefore, in food. The report also cites pyrethroids and methoxychlor, which act on receptors for estrogen. The list is long and includes, among other things: conservatives, anti-oxidants, anti-UV sun creams, alkylphenols that are found in many products (inks, detergents, paints, plastics).
The list is not closed. Andreas Kortenkamp stressed that "a surprisingly low number of synthetic chemicals used today have been properly evaluated with regard to their safety and toxicity." The report also explains the alarming effect cocktail. Different products can add their effects while they seem completely harmless when they are studied in isolation at the laboratory. It coviendrait therefore, explain the scientists who have filed these documents to the conviction of the EU Parliament, vigorously strengthen the assessment of synthetic products used in our immediate environment, in our homes, workplaces or in the agro-food industry.
