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Posted on Jan 17, 2004, 3 a.m.
By Bill Freeman
British scientists have called for a safety review of chemicals commonly used in antiperspirants after tests showed that they were present in breast cancer tumors. Philippa Darbre, of Britain's Reading University, tested 20 tumors and found traces of parabens in all of the samples. Paraben levels in four of the samples were so high that Darbe believes that they could have a biological effect upon the cells.
British scientists have called for a safety review of chemicals commonly used in antiperspirants after tests showed that they were present in breast cancer tumors. Philippa Darbre, of Britain's Reading University, tested 20 tumors and found traces of parabens in all of the samples. Paraben levels in four of the samples were so high that Darbe believes that they could have a biological effect upon the cells. Darbe also suspects that parabens have an estrogen-like effect on cells and could promote tumor growth. Following Dr Darbe's study the UK's Department of Trade and Industry and Britain's Cosmetic Toiletry and Perfumery Association have decided to re-examine data on the chemicals.
SOURCE/REFERENCE: Reported by www.reutershealth.com on the 12th January 2004.
