Research published on 12 May 2014 in the journal Enviromental Health Perspective and conducted by the Silent Spring Institute identifies, among the potentially carcinogenic substances, the 17 most risky for breast cancer , those to which women are most commonly exposed, and tells us where They are.

The 17 hazardous substances are found in many products: cigarettes , petrol , diesel , some solvents, some foods and even drinking water. In fact, in many cases it is a question of several substances belonging to the same group. Let’s see them one by one.

The 17 substances at risk

1.3 butadiene. Exposure of the general population to butadiene occurs primarily through cigarette smoke, automobile exhaust and emissions from certain types of factories , particularly those that produce rubber or process petroleum derivatives.

Acrylamides. They are mainly consumed with cigarette smoking and diet, for example French fries and other foods with a high starch content, cooked at high temperatures, are rich in them. They contain, albeit in smaller quantities, some commonly used products, such as diapers , and some substances that are used to treat drinking water .

Aromatic amines. Aromatic amines are derivatives of ammonia and are many. The study we are talking about divided them into two groups:

1. Group I: TDA (2,4-toluilendiamine) and TDI (toluene diisocyanate)
2. Group II: Aniline, benzidine and others.

Overall, aromatic amines are found in many products, from sealants, paints, printer inks.

Benzene. Exposure occurs mainly through cigarette smoke, some solvents, automobile exhaust fumes.

Organic halogenated solvents. They are found in many products, for example in many stain removers, gloves, degreasers, paint removers …

Elylene oxide and propylene oxide. Exposure occurs mainly via cigarette smoke, some products used to sterilize, exhaust gases and paints.

Flame retardants and degradation products. They are found mainly in some plastics .

Heterocyclic amines. Exposure takes place through grilled meat .

Hormones and endocrine disruptors. They are found mainly in some hormonal drugs , consumer goods, and chemicals with hormonal activity.

Non-hormonal drugs. In the study we are talking about it is stated that there are some non-hormonal drugs that can promote the onset of breast cancer; some are mentioned including furosemide (a diuretic), griseofulvin (an antifungal) and reserpine (an antihypertensive and antipsychotic).

Parabens and breast cancer: is there a correlation?

MX . Exposure occurs through water treated with chlorine .

NitroPAH . In the exhaust gases of diesel engines.

OTA (ochratoxin A) . Ė a microtoxin produced by some fungi; it can be found in various foods, especially cereals, pork, nuts, cheeses, coffee and wine.

PAH . It is found in cigarettes, in car exhaust, in burnt food .

Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and other perflorinated compounds. PFOA is found in various commonly used objects, for example in non-stick skins, fabrics used for clothing or home furnishings, drugs, lubricants, adhesives, cosmetics, insecticides .

Styrene . It is a substance mainly used in construction , in cigarettes, in some materials used for packaging .

Here, then, are the indicted substances which, on balance, are many more than 17 and above all are everywhere; it is therefore practically impossible to avoid them. However , according to the Silent Spring Institute , there are some ways to reduce exposure to carcinogens . Let’s see what they are.

Ways to reduce exposure to carcinogens

1. Limit exposure to exhaust gases from petrol and diesel cars.
2. Use the hood when cooking and do not consume burnt food .
3. Choose dry cleaners that do not use perchlorethylene or other solvents and prefer water washing rather than dry cleaning.
4. Use a carbon filter to keep the water you use for drinking and cooking clean .
5. Avoid using objects, finishes and coatings made with perflorinated compounds .
6. Do not buy furniture and furnishing accessories in polyurethane and / or treated with fire retardants.
7. Chemicals accumulate in the dust present in the house, so it is good to follow some hygiene rules such as always keeping the house clean , taking off your shoes before crossing the threshold and, when vacuuming, use one with a HEPA filter, a filter with the ability to trap even very small particles that, with other vacuum cleaners, return to the home environment