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By Veronique Mandal
Health-Science Reporter
Windsor Star
9-20-3
Women who work in the home are at a 54% higher risk
of developing cancer than career women, says Michael
Dufresne, a leading researcher in environmental cancers.
Women and men who want to look good and avoid body odours are at an added
risk, because of the cancer-causing chemicals in hundreds of personal
care products and household cleaners.
From cosmetics and hair products to toothpaste, shaving cream, furniture
polish and dishwashing liquid, the presence of carcinogens raises major
concerns, said Dufresne, an adjunct and research professor at the University
of Windsor, researcher for Cancer Care Ontario and a member of the Barbara
Karmanos Cancer Institute.
Speaking at a Hospice of Windsor seminar Tuesday, and quoting from leading
studies, Dufresne said his greatest worry is the lack of information
given to the public about products they use every day.
"People are blindly being led in the use of these products. They assume
they are tested and safe, and they're not," said Dufresne. "Scientists
are discovering that exposure to a variety of trace chemicals over the span of
a lifetime is dangerous."
According to Statistics Canada, 335 women per 100,000 will develop cancer.
Forty-six per cent of Canadian women are in the workforce and the remainder
work at home.
The U.S. Public Interest Research Group reports that there are more than
100,000 synthetic chemicals in use. Residues of more than 400 toxic chemicals
have been identified in human blood and fat tissue.
The risk for childhood leukemia and brain tumours increases dramatically
in households using home and garden pesticides, herbicides and insecticides.
Bleach is being linked to the rising rates of breast cancer.
Dufresne said the biggest culprit is the cosmetic industry, which does
not put warnings on labels and does not list potentially harmful ingredients.
"The industry and the regulators know the cancer risks associated with cosmetics
but there is virtually no consumer knowledge," Dufresne said.
"Unlike cigarettes, there are no warning labels on cosmetics and virtually
no FDA regulations policing them."
Cancer-linked chemicals are found in blush, concealer, facial powder,
mascara and eye shadow and lipstick. Toothpaste, nail polish, bubbles,
shaving cream, deodorant, soap, tampons, conditioner, shampoo and styling
products also pose a threat.
"My own study showed that men and women think they're safer if they pay
more, but there is absolutely no relationship between cost and safety."
The use of talc in the genital region has been linked to ovarian cancer.
Mouth, tongue and throat cancer has been linked to the high alcohol content
(more than 25 per cent), saccharin, dyes and a chemical called PS60/80
in various types of mouthwash.
In the home, Lysol, Murphy's Oil Soap, Pledge, Tilex, Ajax, Palmolive,
Joy, Sunlight, Arm & Hammer heavy duty laundry detergent, shout stick
and liquid Spray 'N Wash are a few of the many products containing dangerous
chemicals, said Dufresne.
Chemicals formed in woodsmoke from the fireplace, some burning candles,
carpets and plastics, particularly plastic wrap, can also cause cancer.
Dufresne said people shouldn't panic, but wants to ensure they have information
to make informed choices.
"You have to balance the risks and benefits, but ask questions first and
demand answers," said Dufresne. "Just remember what you don't know
can hurt you."
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