I also don't know specifically about anti-perspirants, but I think
generally caution seems advised. There seems to me to be more information
all the time, despite the obvious corporate impediments. I'm currently
reading Living Downstream by Sandra Steingraber, and find it impressive
(though I'm reading out of my field). On a practical level, forget the
deoderant and try alcohol swabbing (which kills the bacteria).
As I understand the theory, various toxins that we absorb or ingest end up
being stored in fatty tissue, particularly breast tissue. I've heard some
folks suggest that this fact, combined with breast-feeding, might have
something to do with the increase in infant cancers. How's that for
frightening?
On Sat, 31 Jan 1998, Ed Kothiringer/Maureen Press-Merkur wrote:
> Leslie Langdon (1/31/98) wrote:
>
> >I recently heard that there may be a link between anti-perspirant/
> >deoderant and breast cancer. This is very frightening! Does anyone have
> >any info about this?
>
> Just look at the ingredients in deoderant -- these are all toxic chemicals.
> There is research being done that suggests that these pollutants (which
> enter directly into our bloodstream when used on our skin, as with
> deoderants) are acting as endocrine disrupters -- mimicing estrogen and
> upsetting other delicate harmonal balances.
>
> Try doing a search on Infoseek for "endocrine disrupters" (use the quotes)
> or search for Tulane University.
>
> I edit a small, Canadian newsletter that examines the links between
> pollutants and health -- particularly breast cancer, because this is the
> place where the impact has been most dramatic. Our breasts may well be the
> "canaries in the coal mine." Although I don't have any specific info on
> anti-persperants and breast cancer (except anicdotal evidence from a women
> struggling with a recurrance who has been told to use *no* cosmetics or
> deoderants), I would be glad to add you to our mailing list if you would
> like to receive future issues. Please let me know.
>
> Maureen
>
> pollution -- it can take your breast away
>
>
