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Chemicals that mimic estrogen, a
known risk factor for breast cancer, and
chemicals that cause mammary tumors
in laboratory studies are top priorities
for our research. Silent Spring Institute
is developing new testing methods
and making first-ever measurements
of indoor levels of many chemicals
identified as endocrine disruptors
– compounds that affect hormones.
While more studies need to be done,
we can take precautionary steps now to
reduce exposure to suspect chemicals
that are found in a multitude of
everyday products.
We hope that many of the following
recommendations will become new
practices in your home.
1 Use glass containers in the
microwave and encourage your
family/friends to do the same. Some
plastic containers contain chemicals
that mimic or disrupt hormones. These
chemicals can leach into food when
they are heated.
2 Ask for dry cleaning services
that do not use “PERC” or ask
for “wet cleaning.” The familiar
smell of dry cleaning comes from
residues of perchloroethylene (PERC).
Solvents, such as PERC, are under study
for breast cancer and are associated
with other cancers. If you must use
traditional dry cleaning with PERC,
remember to open the plastic bags on
your clothing in an open space and
air them out before putting them in a
closet.
3 Take time to read labels
and avoid “phthalates” and
“fragrance” in products. Phthalates
are endocrine disrupting compounds
that have been associated with cancer,
impaired fertility, and male birth
defects. They are found in hundreds of
products including shampoo, lotion,
perfume, cosmetics, vinyl and plastics,
including toys. The most common
phthalates are: dibutyl phthalate
(DBP), diethyl phthalate (DEP), and
diethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP), and
phthalates are often an ingredient in
“fragrance.” Look for labels that say
“phthalate-free”.
4 When grilling foods, minimize
“char” by reducing the heat level and/or
using marinades. “Char” contains PAHs
– polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons – that
are known to cause mammary tumors in
animals. In the Long Island Breast
Cancer Study, women who
had more DNA damage from
PAHs had higher breast cancer
risk.
5 Purchase organic foods
when possible and encourage stores
you patronize to expand their selection
of organic foods. Buying organic reduces
your exposure to pesticides and protects
your family. It also protects the workers
who produce our food, water supplies
where they live and work, and wildlife
living nearby. Many pesticides are
endocrine disruptors. Pesticides are also
known to affect brain development and
neurological function.
6 Monitor what goes down the
drain in your home. You can
help protect your indoor air as well
as your community’s water supply by
using minimal amounts of the least
toxic cleaning products and pesticides.
Baking soda is a tried and true cleaning
alternative. Never put cleaning
solvents, pesticides, paint thinners,
automobile oil, or gas down a
7 Remember that all vacuums are
not created equal. Carpets can
harbor pesticides, mold and allergens,
flame retardants, and other chemicals.
Vacuums with strong suction, a brush
on/off switch, a multi-layered bag for
dust collection, and a HEPA filter are
considered the best to avoid recycling
dust back into the air.
8 Look for electronic equipment
and furniture without PBDEs.
PBDEs (polybrominated diphenyl ethers)
are commercially produced flame
retardants that are often added to
polyurethane foam, various plastics,
and electronics equipment. They
are endocrine disruptors that affect
thyroid hormones. When possible,
choose carpet pads, bedding, cushions,
and upholstered furniture made from
natural fibers including wool, cotton,
and hemp.
9 Use organic practices for
gardening/lawn care, and
encourage neighbors to do the
same. Many pesticides are endocrine
disruptors. Pesticides and herbicides
used on gardens and lawns are tracked
into the house on shoes and by pets.
Children and pets that play on
the lawn are exposed, and the
chemicals can leach into waterways
and drinking water wells.
10 Encourage your town to adopt
policies of using natural/nontoxic
solvents in public buildings,
especially schools, and using organic
practices in the care of green spaces.
Using safer cleaners and eliminating
pesticides on a town-wide basis will
reduce exposure to compounds that
mimic estrogen or otherwise disrupt
hormones.
Silent Spring Institute , 29 Crafts Street,
Newton, MA 02458 617 332.4288
www.silentspring.org 12.2005
