The study authors declared no financial conflicts of interest.
The review is "raising a necessary red flag," said Olga Naidenko, a senior scientist at the Environmental Working Group, an advocacy organization in Washington, D.C. She reviewed the report but was not involved in it.
Naidenko agreed that there has been a gap in studying the effect of chemical exposure on the mammary gland. "For many chemicals, researchers have not looked at it."
Meanwhile, she said, while some exposures are difficult to avoid, there are steps to take to minimize exposure.
Avoiding the plastic BPA in bottles (which some manufacturers have discontinued using) is one step. Buying organic produce whenever possible may also help consumers avoid the pesticide atrazine.
Avoiding canned foods (which can also have BPA in the liners) and the chemical DEHP by focusing on a fresh food diet can also reduce the levels of those chemicals in the body, according to the Silent Spring Institute.
More information
To reduce your exposure to harmful chemicals, visit the Silent Spring Institute.
Copyright © 2011 HealthDay. All rights reserved.
Reader Comments Read all comments (2)