The Secret Breast Cancer Risk: Are Everyday Chemicals to Blame? - AI Podcast
Mar 26, 2025•12 min
Episode description
Story at-a-glance
- Women with moderate triclosan exposure face up to 2.33 times greater breast cancer risk
- Triclosan, found in 75% of Americans' urine, is readily absorbed through skin and commonly appears in antibacterial products, cosmetics and even clothing, making its way into blood, breast milk and the food chain
- Exposure to environmental chemicals like DDT, dioxins and BPA during pregnancy, infancy or puberty significantly increases breast cancer risk decades later by disrupting normal development
- A 2023 study reveals triclosan's cancer-promoting mechanisms, showing it increases oxidative stress that damages cells and affects telomere length, both of which contribute to breast cancer development
- Simple preventive steps include avoiding antimicrobial products, choosing organic produce, improving indoor air quality and carefully scrutinizing personal care product ingredients to reduce exposure to harmful chemicals