A study published in Environmental Health July 20, 2010 has found a potential link between the use of household cleaners and air fresheners and breast cancer.

When about 800 women (400 with breast cancer and an equal number without) were asked about cleaning products, researchers found a potential connection.

Breast-cancer risk was highest among women who reported the most use of cleaning products and air fresheners -- it was twice the risk of those who reported low use of the products.

According to the authors

"The connection was drawn mostly between mold and mildew cleaners and air fresheners. Surface and oven cleaners were not associated with increased risk. Chemicals of concern include synthetic musks, phthalates, 1,4-dichlorobenzene, terpenes, benzene and styrene and some antimicrobial agents."

You clean your house to keep it pure and free from harmful contaminants, but if you’re using many of the popular cleaners on the market, you’re actually introducing potentially toxic chemicals into your home.

In the latest study involving close to 800 women, those who reported the most use of cleaning products and air fresheners had double the risk of developing breast cancer compared to those who reported low use.

While it is very difficult to prove that a person’s exposure to household cleaners over the course of 10, 20 or 30 years is what caused their cancer diagnosis, it is well known that commonly used household chemicals do, in fact, cause cancer, along with other serious health effects like reproductive and developmental problems in developing children.

Just what types of toxic cleaning chemicals may be putting your health at risk?

Common Toxins in Household Cleaners

The lead researcher of the above study found the greatest correlation with breast cancer with mold and mildew cleaners and air fresheners. Among the chemicals of greatest concern were:

·         Synthetic musks: Widely used in detergents, fabric softeners and air fresheners (along with perfume), these compounds have been found in 36 of the 52 people tested by Environmental Working Group (EWG)/Commonweal studies.

·         Phthalates: The effects of phthalates on your endocrine system, particularly during pregnancy, breastfeeding and childhood, are very disturbing. For instance, animal studies on certain phthalates have shown these chemicals may cause Reproductive and developmental harm, Organ damage, Immune suppression, Cancer. They are widely used in household cleaners, air fresheners and plastics.

o    1,4-dichlorobenzene: Found in air fresheners, toilet bowl cleaners and other household cleaning products, 1,4-dichlorobenzene has been linked to lung damage it is known to cause organ system toxicity.

o    Terpenes: Commonly used in household cleaners with pine, lemon or orange scents, terpenes interact with ozone in the air to produce toxic substances similar to formaldehyde, a known carcinogen.

o    Benzene: Also common in cleaning agents, benzene is a known human carcinogen and has been linked to increased risk of leukemia and other blood diseases, along with organ system toxicity.

o    Styrene: Linked to cancer, birth or developmental effects, organ system toxicity, and problems with reproduction and fertility, this is another chemical found in far too many household cleaning products.

o    Phenol: A common main ingredient in household detergents. It’s also found in mouthwash. Phenol is toxic and people who are hypersensitive can experience serious side effects at very low levels. Studies have linked phenols to heart damage, respiratory problems, damage to your liver, kidneys and eyes

o    Formaldehyde, found in spray and wick deodorizers, is a suspected carcinogen.

o    Petroleum solvents in floor cleaners may damage mucous membranes.

o    Butyl cellosolve, found in many all-purpose and window cleaners, may damage your kidneys, bone marrow, liver and nervous system.

o    Triclosan, the active ingredient in most antibacterial products, not only kills bacteria, it also has been shown to kill human cells.

Using Natural Cleaning Products

There are a number of cleaning products on the Irish market now such as Lillys and Ecover that are great alternatives. You can also keep your home very fresh and clean by making your own natural cleaning products using items you probably already have around your home. See my website for details on how to make these at www.westernherbalmedicine.com

Finally, if you're still using air fresheners because you like a scented environment, I urge you to switch to safer alternatives like therapeutic essential oils from medicinal herbs. A few drops placed in a diffuser around your home, or mixed with water and sprayed onto upholstery or fabrics, is a safe and soothing way to scent your home naturally.