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1. M A S S A C H U S E T T S B R E A S T C A N C E R C O A L I T I O N
1419 Hancock Street, Suite 202 Phone  617-376-6222
Quincy, MA 02169 Fax  617-376-6221
www.mbcc.org e-mail info@mbcc.org
CHEMICALS IN PERSONAL CARE PRODUCTS AND BREAST CANCER
Chemicals and Breast Cancer
Throughout a lifetime, the average person is exposed to thousands of chemicals. However,
over 85% of the chemicals in everyday products have never been tested by the government
for their effects on human health. Research shows that there may be a link between many of
the chemicals used in personal care products and breast cancer. A few places that these
chemicals might be found are in shampoos, hair treatments, lipstick, nail polish, lotions and
fragrances.
What can you do to protect yourself and your family?
Over the past 40 years there has been a great increase in the number of breast cancer cases.
During that same time, the number of untested dangerous chemicals in our air, food, water,
household and personal care products has also greatly increased. So what can you do to
protect yourself, your family, and your community? Below is information to help make safer
choices.
Take the time to read labels
Before buying, make sure to take the time to read the labels of your personal care products.
Even products made for children such as baby shampoo can contain dangerous chemicals.
What about personal care products?
Personal care products such as shampoo, deodorant, make‐up, and lotions contain
chemicals that are linked to serious health problems. Large cosmetics companies are
able to put unlimited amounts of chemicals in their products without testing them for
their effects on human health. Some of the dangerous products and chemicals are listed
below but researchers are learning about new ones every day.
Fragrances
Chemicals used in fragrances such as phthalates, ethylene oxide, xylene and ketone
have been linked to breast cancer. Fragrances contain many chemicals so it is
important to read all labels and know your risk. Even the fragrances in baby lotions and
shampoos can be dangerous.
Cosmetics
Several chemicals such as benzene, parabens, phthalates, and BHA are found in
common cosmetics. Nail polish is a common cosmetic that may contain DBP,
formaldehyde, and toluene. Lipstick often contains lead. These chemicals are linked
with increased cancer risk and are known to disrupt hormones in the body, which may
lead to breast cancer.

2.
Hair Products
Many hair products contain placenta and can greatly increase breast cancer risk. The
placenta is an organ that develops in females during pregnancy and creates hormones.
In hair products with placenta, these hormones may be absorbed into your body and
increase your risk of breast and other cancers.
Skin Lighteners and Sunscreens
Skin lighteners that contain the chemical hydroquinone may increase the risk for breast
and other cancers. Hydroquinone lightens skin by preventing the creation of the
substance that creates the skin’s color. Many sunscreens contain chemicals called
phthalates and parabens such as oxybenzone and benzophenone that are also linked to
breast cancer.
Look for products that are free of these ingredients and don’t hesitate to ask your local
stores to sell products that are free of these toxins. There are many other inexpensive,
healthier products on the market. Your questions and demands help to bring about
change!
Safer choices can start at home but, let’s
make government protect us!
Visit our website, www.mbcc.org, for information to support
the Safe Cosmetics Act.
Information provided by the Massachusetts Breast Cancer Coalition