Chemical exposure linked to breast cancer risk identified in pesticides and air

A new study from the Silent Spring Institute has identified 485 chemicals in pesticide formulations that may be linked to increased breast cancer risk. The analysis, published in Environmental Health Perspectives, found that these substances include both active ingredients and so-called ‘inert’ ingredients, which often undergo less rigorous safety testing.

Researchers noted that while regulatory focus typically remains on active ingredients, the entire chemical formulation poses exposure risks. The study identified 145 of these chemicals as currently registered with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). These findings suggest a regulatory blind spot regarding the safety of non-active components in consumer products.

Separate reports indicate that in 2020, billions of pounds of chemicals suspected of raising breast cancer risks entered the U.S. atmosphere. This exposure is pervasive, appearing in outdoor air, tap water, food, and household products. While environmental policy aims to address these exposures, the scale of the issue has also driven interest in medical research and development, such as the work being conducted by Calidi Biotherapeutics Inc. to create new therapies for those already diagnosed.