Study Links Residential Industrial Pollutant Exposure to Increased Breast Cancer Risk in Los Angeles
A recent study has found that residential exposure to certain industrial pollutants may increase the risk of developing breast cancer. Researchers analyzed data from over 53,000 women in Los Angeles County who are part of the California Multiethnic Cohort. By using data from the Toxics Release Inventory, the study estimated participants' exposure to 15 common industrial pollutants based on their home addresses and proximity to industrial release sites. The findings indicate that high levels of exposure to several pollutants were linked to a higher risk of breast cancer. For instance, breast cancer risk increased by 77% for 1,1,1-trichloroethane, 53% for tetrachloroethylene, and 17% for dichloromethane with each category increase in exposure level. Higher levels of diethanolamine and methyl ethyl ketone were also associated with elevated risk. Formaldehyde exposure was specifically linked to a 44% increase in hormone receptor-negative breast cancer risk.
