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Preservative chemicals found in samples of breast tumours probably came from underarm deodorants, UK scientists have claimed. Please look at the labels , they contain aluminum which is a toxic poison. Are you giving this to your babies!

Analysis of 20 breast tumours found high concentrations of para-hydroxybenzoic acids (parabens) in 18 samples. Parabens can mimic the hormone estrogen, which is known to play a role in the development of breast cancers. The preservatives are used in many cosmetics and some foods to increase their shelf-life.

"From this research it is not possible to say whether parabens actually caused these tumours, but they may certainly be associated with the overall rise in breast cancer cases," says Philip Harvey, an editor of the Journal of Applied Toxicology, which published the research.

"Given that breast cancer is the largest killer of women and a very high percentage of young women use underarm deodorants, I think we should be carrying out properly funded, further investigations into parabens and where they are found in the body,"

Chemical cousins

The new research was led by molecular biologist Philippa Darbre, at the University of Reading. She says that the ester-bearing form of parabens found in the tumours indicates it came from something applied to the skin, such as an underarm deodorant, cream or body spray. When parabens are eaten, they are metabolised and lose the ester group, making them less strongly estrogen-mimicking.

"One would expect tumours to occur evenly, with 20 per cent arising in each of the five areas of the breast,". "But these results help explain why up to 60 per cent of all breast tumours are found in just one-fifth of the breast - the upper-outer quadrant, nearest the underarm."

However, Chris Flower, director general of the Cosmetic, Toiletry and Perfumery Association, challenged the study's findings. "There are almost no deodorants and body sprays that contain parabens," he says. "Although they are in most other creams and cosmetics, the safety margin is huge and they would not have any effect on enhancing growth of new tumours."

Darbre replies that deodorants and antiperspirants have only stopped containing parabens in the last few months and that the tumours she studied occurred prior to this.

A small survey of three British high street shops and one supermarket found deodorants in each that contained parabens, although most of these products did not. However, many other products used under the arm commonly contained parabens, such as body sprays, hair removal creams and shaving gels. Body lotions, face creams, cleansers and shampoos also frequently contained parabens.

Skin deep

Previously published studies have shown that parabens are able to be absorbed through the skin and to bind to the body's estrogen-receptors, where they can encourage breast cancer cell growth.

But Flower maintains that the amount of parabens absorbed by the skin is very low and the parabens are "metabolised by the skin cells to produce products that have no estrogenic activity".

Darbre's research did not look at the concentrations of parabens in other areas of the breast or body tissues and Harvey cautions that the significance of the chemicals in tumour tissue should not be over-interpreted.

Darbre says she has not used cosmetic products, including underarm deodorants, for eight years. She recommends that other women do the same "until their safety can be established".

Journal reference: Journal of Applied Toxicology (vol 24, p5)

carcinogenic contaminant of cosmetic products. Almost 50% of cosmetics containing ethoxylated surfactants were found to contain dioxane. See Ethoxylated surfactants From Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS): 1,4-Dioxane may exert its effects through inhalation, skin absorption and ingestion 1,4-Dioxane is listed as a carcinogen. Effects of overexposure: 1,4-dioxane is an eye and mucous membrane irritant, primary skin irritant, central nervous system depressant, nephrotoxin, and hepatotoxin. Acute exposure causes irritation, headache, dizziness, and narcosis. Chronic inhalation exposure can produce damage to the liver and kidneys, and blood disorders. Medical condition aggravated by exposure preclude from exposure those individuals with disease of the blood, liver kidneys, central nervous system, and those susceptible to dermatitis. 2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1,3-diol (Bronopol) Toxic, causes allergic contact dermatitis. See Nitrosating agents Alcohol, Isopropyl (SD-40) A very drying and irritating solvent and dehydrator that strips your skin's natural acid mantle, making us more vulnerable to bacteria, moulds and viruses. It is made from propylene, a petroleum derivative. It may promote brown spots and premature aging of skin. Ammonium Laureth Sulfate (ALES) See Anionic Surfactants, Sodium Laureth Sulfate and Nitrosating Agents Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate (ALS) See Anionic Surfactants, Sodium Laureth Sulfate and Nitrosating Agents Anionic Surfactants Anionic refers to the negative charge these surfactants have. They may be contaminated with nitrosamines, which are carcinogenic. Surfactants can pose serious health threats. They are used in car washes, as garage floor cleaners and engine degreasers - and in 90% of personal-care products that foam. They are also known as: Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES) Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate (ALS) Ammonium Laureth Sulfate (ALES) Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate Sodium Cocoyl Sarcosinate Potassium Coco Hydrolysed Collagen TEA (Triethanolamine) Lauryl Sulfate TEA (Triethanolamine) Laureth Sulfate Lauryl or Cocoyl Sarcosine Disodium Oleamide Sulfosuccinate Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate Disodium Dioctyl Sulfosuccinate etc Benzalkonium Chloride Highly toxic, primary skin irritant. See Cationic surfactants From Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS): Material is highly toxic via oral route. Effects of overexposure: mists can cause irritation to the skin, eyes, nose, throat and mucous membranes. Avoid direct contact. Symptoms: muscular paralysis, low blood pressure, cns depression and weakness. Emergency and first aid procedures: Eyes - corrosive! Immediately wash eyes with plenty of water. Inhalation - remove person to fresh air. Give oxygen (if breathing is difficult). Call physician. Ingestion - if conscious, immediately drink large quantities of fluid to dilute and induce vomiting. Call physician. Butylated Hudroxyanisole (BHA) Causes allergic contact dermatitis. Butylated Hydroxytoluene (BHT) Causes allergic contact dermatitis. Contains toluene. See Toluene Cationic surfactants These chemicals have a positive electrical charge. They contain a quaternary ammonium group and are often called "quats". These are used in hair conditioners, but originated from the paper and fabric industries as softeners and anti-static agents. In the long run they cause the hair to become dry and brittle. They are synthetic, irritating, allergenic and toxic, and oral intake of them can be lethal. Stearalkonium chloride Benzalkonium chloride Cetrimonium chloride Cetalkonium chloride Lauryl dimonium hydrolysed collagen Cetalkonium chloride See Cationic surfactants Cetrimonium chloride See Cationic surfactants Chloromethylisothiazolinone  and Isothiazolinone Causes contact dermatitis From Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS): Eye contact - corrosive to the eyes with possible permanent damage. Skin contact - corrosive to the skin, possibly resulting in third degree burns. Can be harmful if absorbed. Can cause allergic contact dermatitis in susceptible individuals. Ingestion - can be fatal. Inhalation - can be corrosive to the mucous membranes and the lungs. Can cause an allergic reaction in susceptible individuals. Cocoamidopropyl Betaine From Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS): Can cause eye and skin irritation. Cocoyl Sarcosine See Nitrosating agents Cyclomethicone See Silicone derived emollients Please continue to next page m Paraffinum is an exotic sounding way to say mineral oil (!!) See Mineral Oil