Exposure to breast cancer-linked chemicals is widespread in the U.S.

Researchers at the Silent Spring Institute and the University of California analyzed U.S. government databases for information on the production, sources, exposures, and regulations of environmental chemicals linked to breast cancer, and published their findings in Environmental Health Perspectives.

In short:

• Chemicals linked to breast cancer are ubiquitous, with consumer products, food and drinking water, medicines, buildings, industrial emissions, and pesticides all acting as sources of exposure.
• In total, 652 breast cancer-associated chemicals were reported or predicted to be present in consumer products, food, and drinking water.
• The breast cancer-linked chemicals produced in the largest amounts were primarily petrochemicals used in plastic manufacturing; in 2019, 143 chemicals were produced in excess of 1 million pounds, and some in excess of 5 billion pounds.

Key quote:

“Our findings indicate substantial uptake of breast cancer-linked chemicals by the population at large because of product use, ingestion, and exposure to chemicals released to environmental media.”

Why this matters:

Breast cancer incidence continues to increase, and exposure to environmental chemicals is an under-recognized potential contributor to this trend. This new article is based on prior research by the Silent Spring Institute that identified breast carcinogens, as described in this webinar recording, Science for Prevention: Identifying potential breast carcinogens and this article by U.C. Berkeley Public Health, More than 900 chemicals, many found in consumer products and the environment, display breast cancer-causing traits. The new article notes that U.S. regulations are not adequately protective. For example, it found that National Primary Drinking Water Standards were lacking for 123 chemicals linked to breast cancer that have been found in public drinking water supplies.

Related EHN coverage:

• Scientists: Insufficient chemical regulations put public and environmental health at risk
• More than 900 common chemicals linked to breast cancer risk: Study

More resources:

• Silent Spring Institute: Hundreds of chemicals used in pesticides linked to increased breast cancer risk
• EWG: Study: Hundreds of chemicals linked to breast cancer in lab and animal studies in high use in the U.S.
• Breast Cancer Prevention Partners

Source:

Kay, Jennifer E. et al. Guiding Risk Reduction for Breast Cancer-Relevant Chemicals (BC-Chems): Chemical Production Volumes, Sources, Intake Levels, Emissions, and Regulations. Environ. Health Perspect. 6 October 2026; 134 (6): 639–658.