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Rumph JT, Stephens VR, Martin JL, Brown LK, Thomas PL, Cooley A, Osteen KG, Bruner-Tran KL. Uncovering Evidence: Associations between Environmental Contaminants and Disparities in Women's Health. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19031257. [PMID: 35162279 PMCID: PMC8835285 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19031257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Revised: 12/29/2021] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Over the years, industrial accidents and military actions have led to unintentional, large-scale, high-dose human exposure to environmental contaminants with endocrine-disrupting action. These historical events, in addition to laboratory studies, suggest that exposure to toxicants such as dioxins and polychlorinated biphenyls negatively impact the reproductive system and likely influence the development of gynecologic diseases. Although high-level exposure to a single toxicant is rare, humans living in industrialized countries are continuously exposed to a complex mixture of manmade and naturally produced endocrine disruptors, including persistent organic pollutants and heavy metals. Since minorities are more likely to live in areas with known environmental contamination; herein, we conducted a literature review to identify potential associations between toxicant exposure and racial disparities in women's health. Evidence within the literature suggests that the body burden of environmental contaminants, especially in combination with inherent genetic variations, likely contributes to previously observed racial disparities in women's health conditions such as breast cancer, endometriosis, polycystic ovarian syndrome, uterine fibroids, and premature birth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jelonia T. Rumph
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Physiology, Meharry Medical College, Nashville, TN 37208, USA; (J.T.R.); (J.L.M.); (L.K.B.); (P.L.T.); (A.C.)
- Women’s Reproductive Health Research Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232, USA; (V.R.S.); (K.G.O.)
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Victoria R. Stephens
- Women’s Reproductive Health Research Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232, USA; (V.R.S.); (K.G.O.)
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Joanie L. Martin
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Physiology, Meharry Medical College, Nashville, TN 37208, USA; (J.T.R.); (J.L.M.); (L.K.B.); (P.L.T.); (A.C.)
| | - LaKendria K. Brown
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Physiology, Meharry Medical College, Nashville, TN 37208, USA; (J.T.R.); (J.L.M.); (L.K.B.); (P.L.T.); (A.C.)
| | - Portia L. Thomas
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Physiology, Meharry Medical College, Nashville, TN 37208, USA; (J.T.R.); (J.L.M.); (L.K.B.); (P.L.T.); (A.C.)
| | - Ayorinde Cooley
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Physiology, Meharry Medical College, Nashville, TN 37208, USA; (J.T.R.); (J.L.M.); (L.K.B.); (P.L.T.); (A.C.)
| | - Kevin G. Osteen
- Women’s Reproductive Health Research Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232, USA; (V.R.S.); (K.G.O.)
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
- VA Tennessee Valley Healthcare System, Nashville, TN 37208, USA
| | - Kaylon L. Bruner-Tran
- Women’s Reproductive Health Research Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232, USA; (V.R.S.); (K.G.O.)
- Correspondence:
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Louis LM, Kavi LK, Boyle M, Pool W, Bhandari D, De Jesús VR, Thomas S, Pollack AZ, Sun A, McLean S, Rule AM, Quirós-Alcalá L. Biomonitoring of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) among hairdressers in salons primarily serving women of color: A pilot study. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2021; 154:106655. [PMID: 34090205 PMCID: PMC8221536 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2021.106655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2020] [Revised: 05/12/2021] [Accepted: 05/14/2021] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Hairdressers are exposed to volatile organic compounds (VOCs), many of which have been linked to acute and chronic health effects. Those hairdressers serving an ethnic clientele may potentially experience disproportionate exposures from frequent use of products containing VOCs or different VOC concentrations contained in products which are marketed to the specific needs of their clientele. However, no biomonitoring studies have investigated occupational exposures in this population. In the present pilot study, we sought to characterize concentrations and exposure determinants for 28 VOC biomarkers in post-shift urine samples among 23 hairdressers primarily serving an ethnic clientele. VOC biomarker concentrations among hairdressers of color were compared to concentrations among a comparison group of 17 office workers and a representative sample of women participating in the U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. VOC biomarkers were detected in all hairdressers with higher concentrations observed among hairdressers serving a predominantly Black versus Latino clientele, and among hairdressers overall versus office workers and women in the U.S. general population. Median biomarker concentrations for acrolein,1,3-butadiene, and xylene in hairdressers were more than twice as high as those observed among office workers. Median concentrations for 1-bromopropane, acrolein and 1,3-butadiene were more than four times higher among all hairdressers compared to those reported among women in the U.S. general population. Select salon services (e.g., sister locs, flat ironing, permanent hair coloring, permanent waves or texturizing, Brazilian blowout or keratin treatment, etc.) were also associated with higher VOC biomarker concentrations among hairdressers. This pilot study represents the first biomonitoring analysis to characterize VOC exposures among women hairdressers of color and to provide evidence that this occupational population may experience elevated VOC exposures compared to women in the U.S. general population. Results from our study represent an important first step in elucidating occupational VOC exposures in this understudied occupational group. Larger studies among a racially and ethnically diverse cohort of hairdressers are warranted to confirm our findings and inform future exposure interventions in this understudied occupational population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lydia M Louis
- Johns Hopkins University, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Department of Environmental Health & Engineering, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Lucy K Kavi
- Maryland Institute of Applied Environmental Health, School of Public Health, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
| | - Meleah Boyle
- Maryland Institute of Applied Environmental Health, School of Public Health, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
| | | | - Deepak Bhandari
- Tobacco and Volatiles Branch, Division of Laboratory Sciences, National Center for Environmental Health, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Víctor R De Jesús
- Tobacco and Volatiles Branch, Division of Laboratory Sciences, National Center for Environmental Health, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Stephen Thomas
- University of Maryland, School of Public Health, College Park, MD, USA; Maryland Center for Health Equity, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
| | - Anna Z Pollack
- Department of Global and Community Health, College of Health and Human Services, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA, USA
| | - Angela Sun
- Maryland Center for Health Equity, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
| | - Seyrona McLean
- Maryland Center for Health Equity, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
| | - Ana M Rule
- Johns Hopkins University, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Department of Environmental Health & Engineering, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Lesliam Quirós-Alcalá
- Johns Hopkins University, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Department of Environmental Health & Engineering, Baltimore, MD, USA; Maryland Institute of Applied Environmental Health, School of Public Health, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA.
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Preston EV, Chan M, Nozhenko K, Bellavia A, Grenon MC, Cantonwine DE, McElrath TF, James-Todd T. Socioeconomic and racial/ethnic differences in use of endocrine-disrupting chemical-associated personal care product categories among pregnant women. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2021; 198:111212. [PMID: 33957140 PMCID: PMC8886956 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2021.111212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2021] [Revised: 04/15/2021] [Accepted: 04/20/2021] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Personal care products (PCPs) are important and modifiable sources of exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs). Research is limited on how EDC-associated PCP use differs by race/ethnicity and socioeconomic status (SES), particularly during the sensitive period of pregnancy. We investigated differences in PCP use by race/ethnicity and SES among 497 participants in the LIFECODES pregnancy cohort (Boston, Massachusetts). Participants self-reported race/ethnicity, SES indicators (maternal education; insurance status), and recent PCP use via questionnaire at ≤4 prenatal visits. We evaluated trimester-specific differences in use of individual PCP categories by race/ethnicity and SES indicators. We used Poisson regression to estimate trimester-specific mean total product categories used by race/ethnicity and SES indicators. In the first trimester, compared to non-Hispanic White women, Hispanic women reported higher use of hair gel (45% vs. 28%), perfume (75% vs. 39%), and "other" hair products (37% vs. 19%). Compared to women with a college degree, women without a college degree reported higher use of perfume (79% vs. 41%) and bar soap (74% vs. 56%); patterns were similar for insurance status. The estimated mean total product categories used was significantly lower in Asian compared to non-Hispanic White women in all trimesters (e.g., Trimester 1: 4.8 vs. 6.7 categories; p<0.001). Patterns of PCP use differed by race/ethnicity and SES, with implications for potentially modifiable differential EDC exposure and associated pregnancy outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma V Preston
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Marissa Chan
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Katerina Nozhenko
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Andrea Bellavia
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Marissa C Grenon
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - David E Cantonwine
- Department of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Thomas F McElrath
- Department of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Tamarra James-Todd
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, 02115, USA; Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
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Coogan PF, Rosenberg L, Palmer JR, Cozier YC, Lenzy YM, Bertrand KA. Hair product use and breast cancer incidence in the Black Women's Health Study. Carcinogenesis 2021; 42:924-930. [PMID: 34013957 PMCID: PMC8496025 DOI: 10.1093/carcin/bgab041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2021] [Revised: 04/26/2021] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Hair relaxers and leave-in conditioners and oils, commonly used by Black/African American women, may contain estrogens or estrogen-disrupting compounds. Thus, their use may contribute to breast cancer risk. Results of the few previous studies on this topic are inconsistent. We assessed the relation of hair relaxer and leave-in conditioner use to breast cancer incidence in the Black Women's Health Study, a nationwide prospective study of Black women. Among 50 543 women followed from 1997 to 2017, 2311 incident breast cancers occurred. Multivariable-adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using Cox proportional hazards regression for breast cancer overall and by estrogen receptor (ER) status. For heavy use (≥15 years of use for ≥7 times/year) of hair relaxers relative to never/light use (<4 years, no more than 1-2 times/year), the multivariable HR for breast cancer overall was 1.13 (95%CI: 0.96-1.33). Duration, frequency, age at first use and number of scalp burns were not associated with overall breast cancer risk. For heavy use of hair relaxers containing lye, the corresponding HR for ER+ breast cancer was 1.32 (95% CI: 0.97, 1.80); there was no association for non-lye products. There was no association of conditioner use and breast cancer. Results of this study were largely null, but there was some evidence that heavy use of lye-containing hair relaxers may be associated with increased risk of ER+ breast cancer. Consistent results from several studies are needed before it can be concluded that use of certain hair relaxers impacts breast cancer development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia F Coogan
- Slone Epidemiology Center at Boston
University, Boston, MA, USA,To whom correspondence should be addressed. Tel: +001 617 206
6180; Fax: +001 617 738 5119;
| | - Lynn Rosenberg
- Slone Epidemiology Center at Boston
University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Julie R Palmer
- Slone Epidemiology Center at Boston
University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Yvette C Cozier
- Slone Epidemiology Center at Boston
University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Yolanda M Lenzy
- Lenzy Dermatology and Hair Loss Center,
Chicopee, MA, USA,UConn Health Dermatology,
Farmington, CT, USA
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Gaston SA, James-Todd T, Harmon Q, Taylor KW, Baird D, Jackson CL. Chemical/straightening and other hair product usage during childhood, adolescence, and adulthood among African-American women: potential implications for health. JOURNAL OF EXPOSURE SCIENCE & ENVIRONMENTAL EPIDEMIOLOGY 2020; 30:86-96. [PMID: 31641276 PMCID: PMC6917990 DOI: 10.1038/s41370-019-0186-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2019] [Revised: 07/31/2019] [Accepted: 09/05/2019] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Few studies have characterized life course hair product usage beyond ever/never. We investigated hair product use from childhood to adulthood, usage patterns in adulthood, and socioeconomic status (SES) correlates among African-American (AA) women. Using self-reported data from 1555 AA women enrolled in the Study of Environment, Lifestyle, and Fibroids (2010-2018), we estimated the usage frequency of chemical relaxer/straightener (≥twice/year, once/year, and rarely/never) and leave-in/leave-on conditioner (≥once/week, 1-3 times/month, and rarely/never) during childhood, adolescence, and adulthood. Latent class analysis was used to identify patterns of adulthood usage of multiple hair products. SES was compared across latent classes. With a mean age of 33 ± 3.4 years, most women reported ever using chemical relaxers/straighteners (89%), and use ≥twice/year increased from childhood (9%) to adolescence (73%) but decreased in adulthood (29%). Leave-in/leave-on conditioner use followed the same pattern. Each of three identified latent classes reported frequent styling product use and infrequent relaxer/straightener use. Class One was unlikely to use any other products, Class Two moderately used shampoo and conditioner, and Class Three frequently used multiple product types (e.g., moisturizers and conditioners). Participants in the latter two classes reported higher SES. Ever/never characterization may miss important and distinctive patterns of hair product use, which may vary by SES.
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Affiliation(s)
- Symielle A Gaston
- Epidemiology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Tamarra James-Todd
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Quaker Harmon
- Epidemiology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Kyla W Taylor
- National Toxicology Program, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Donna Baird
- Epidemiology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Chandra L Jackson
- Epidemiology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA.
- Intramural Program, National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, MD, USA.
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Eberle CE, Sandler DP, Taylor KW, White AJ. Hair dye and chemical straightener use and breast cancer risk in a large US population of black and white women. Int J Cancer 2019; 147:383-391. [PMID: 31797377 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.32738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2019] [Revised: 09/10/2019] [Accepted: 10/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Many hair products contain endocrine-disrupting compounds and carcinogens potentially relevant to breast cancer. Products used predominately by black women may contain more hormonally-active compounds. In a national prospective cohort study, we examined the association between hair dye and chemical relaxer/straightener use and breast cancer risk by ethnicity. Sister Study participants (n = 46,709), women ages 35-74, were enrolled between 2003 and 2009, and had a sister with breast cancer but were breast cancer-free themselves. Enrollment questionnaires included past 12-month hair product use. Cox proportional hazards models estimated adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) for the association between hair products and breast cancer; effect measure modification by ethnicity was evaluated. During follow-up (mean = 8.3 years), 2,794 breast cancers were identified. Fifty-five percent of participants reported using permanent dye at enrollment. Permanent dye use was associated with 45% higher breast cancer risk in black women (HR = 1.45, 95% CI: 1.10-1.90), and 7% higher risk in white women (HR = 1.07, 95% CI: 0.99-1.16; heterogeneity p = 0.04). Among all participants, personal straightener use was associated with breast cancer risk (HR = 1.18, 95% CI 0.99-1.41); with higher risk associated with increased frequency (p for trend = 0.02). Nonprofessional application of semipermanent dye (HR = 1.28, 95% CI 1.05-1.56) and straighteners (HR = 1.27, 95% CI 0.99-1.62) to others was associated with breast cancer risk. We observed a higher breast cancer risk associated with any straightener use and personal use of permanent dye, especially among black women. These results suggest that chemicals in hair products may play a role in breast carcinogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolyn E Eberle
- Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - Dale P Sandler
- Epidemiology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, NIH, Research Triangle Park, NC
| | - Kyla W Taylor
- Office of Health Assessment and Translation, National Toxicology Program, NIH, Research Triangle Park, NC
| | - Alexandra J White
- Epidemiology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, NIH, Research Triangle Park, NC
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Helm JS, Nishioka M, Brody JG, Rudel RA, Dodson RE. Measurement of endocrine disrupting and asthma-associated chemicals in hair products used by Black women. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2018; 165:448-458. [PMID: 29705122 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2018.03.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2017] [Revised: 02/09/2018] [Accepted: 03/18/2018] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Personal care products are a source of exposure to endocrine disrupting and asthma-associated chemicals. Because use of hair products differs by race/ethnicity, these products may contribute to exposure and disease disparities. OBJECTIVE This preliminary study investigates the endocrine disrupting and asthma-associated chemical content of hair products used by U.S. Black women. METHODS We used gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) to test 18 hair products in 6 categories used by Black women: hot oil treatment, anti-frizz/polish, leave-in conditioner, root stimulator, hair lotion, and relaxer. We tested for 66 chemicals belonging to 10 chemical classes: ultraviolet (UV) filters, cyclosiloxanes, glycol ethers, fragrances, alkylphenols, ethanolamines, antimicrobials, bisphenol A, phthalates, and parabens. RESULTS The hair products tested contained 45 endocrine disrupting or asthma-associated chemicals, including every targeted chemical class. We found cyclosiloxanes, parabens, and the fragrance marker diethyl phthalate (DEP) at the highest levels, and DEP most frequently. Root stimulators, hair lotions, and relaxers frequently contained nonylphenols, parabens, and fragrances; anti-frizz products contained cyclosiloxanes. Hair relaxers for children contained five chemicals regulated by California's Proposition 65 or prohibited by EU cosmetics regulation. Targeted chemicals were generally not listed on the product label. CONCLUSIONS Hair products used by Black women and children contained multiple chemicals associated with endocrine disruption and asthma. The prevalence of parabens and DEP is consistent with higher levels of these compounds in biomonitoring samples from Black women compared with White women. These results indicate the need for more information about the contribution of consumer products to exposure disparities. A precautionary approach would reduce the use of endocrine disrupting chemicals in personal care products and improve labeling so women can select products consistent with their values.
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Taylor KW, Troester MA, Herring AH, Engel LS, Nichols HB, Sandler DP, Baird DD. Associations between Personal Care Product Use Patterns and Breast Cancer Risk among White and Black Women in the Sister Study. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2018; 126:027011. [PMID: 29467107 PMCID: PMC6066348 DOI: 10.1289/ehp1480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2016] [Revised: 01/05/2018] [Accepted: 01/05/2018] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Many personal care products include chemicals that might act as endocrine disruptors and thus increase the risk of breast cancer. OBJECTIVE We examined the association between usage patterns of beauty, hair, and skin-related personal care products and breast cancer incidence in the Sister Study, a national prospective cohort study (enrollment 2003-2009). METHODS Non-Hispanic black (4,452) and white women (n=42,453) were examined separately using latent class analysis (LCA) to identify groups of individuals with similar patterns of self-reported product use in three categories (beauty, skin, hair). Multivariable Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for associations between product use and breast cancer incidence. RESULTS A total of 2,326 women developed breast cancer during follow-up (average follow-up=5.4y). Among black women, none of the latent class hazard ratios was elevated, but there were <100 cases in any category, limiting power. Among white women, those classified as "moderate" and "frequent" users of beauty products had increased risk of breast cancer relative to "infrequent" users [HR=1.13 (95% CI: 1.00, 1.27) and HR=1.15 (95% CI: 1.02, 1.30), respectively]. Frequent users of skincare products also had increased risk of breast cancer relative to infrequent users [HR=1.13 (95% CI: 1.00, 1.29)]. None of the hair product classes was associated with increased breast cancer risk. The associations with beauty and skin products were stronger in postmenopausal women than in premenopausal women, but not significantly so. CONCLUSIONS This work generates novel hypotheses about personal care product use and breast cancer risk. Whether these results are due to specific chemicals or to other correlated behaviors needs to be evaluated. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP1480.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyla W Taylor
- Office of Health Assessment and Translation, National Toxicology Program, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - Melissa A Troester
- Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Amy H Herring
- Department of Biostatistics, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina , Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
- Carolina Population Center, University of North Carolina , Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Lawrence S Engel
- Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Hazel B Nichols
- Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Dale P Sandler
- Epidemiology Branch, Division of Intramural Research, NIEHS, NIH, DHHS, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - Donna D Baird
- Epidemiology Branch, Division of Intramural Research, NIEHS, NIH, DHHS, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
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Gray JM, Rasanayagam S, Engel C, Rizzo J. State of the evidence 2017: an update on the connection between breast cancer and the environment. Environ Health 2017; 16:94. [PMID: 28865460 PMCID: PMC5581466 DOI: 10.1186/s12940-017-0287-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 109] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2016] [Accepted: 07/17/2017] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In this review, we examine the continually expanding and increasingly compelling data linking radiation and various chemicals in our environment to the current high incidence of breast cancer. Singly and in combination, these toxicants may have contributed significantly to the increasing rates of breast cancer observed over the past several decades. Exposures early in development from gestation through adolescence and early adulthood are particularly of concern as they re-shape the program of genetic, epigenetic and physiological processes in the developing mammary system, leading to an increased risk for developing breast cancer. In the 8 years since we last published a comprehensive review of the relevant literature, hundreds of new papers have appeared supporting this link, and in this update, the evidence on this topic is more extensive and of better quality than that previously available. CONCLUSION Increasing evidence from epidemiological studies, as well as a better understanding of mechanisms linking toxicants with development of breast cancer, all reinforce the conclusion that exposures to these substances - many of which are found in common, everyday products and byproducts - may lead to increased risk of developing breast cancer. Moving forward, attention to methodological limitations, especially in relevant epidemiological and animal models, will need to be addressed to allow clearer and more direct connections to be evaluated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janet M. Gray
- Department of Psychology and Program in Science, Technology, and Society, Vassar College, 124 Raymond Avenue, Poughkeepsie, NY 12604-0246 USA
| | - Sharima Rasanayagam
- Breast Cancer Prevention Partners, 1388 Sutter St., Suite 400, San Francisco, CA 94109-5400 USA
| | - Connie Engel
- Breast Cancer Prevention Partners, 1388 Sutter St., Suite 400, San Francisco, CA 94109-5400 USA
| | - Jeanne Rizzo
- Breast Cancer Prevention Partners, 1388 Sutter St., Suite 400, San Francisco, CA 94109-5400 USA
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Taylor KW, Baird DD, Herring AH, Engel LS, Nichols HB, Sandler DP, Troester MA. Associations among personal care product use patterns and exogenous hormone use in the NIEHS Sister Study. JOURNAL OF EXPOSURE SCIENCE & ENVIRONMENTAL EPIDEMIOLOGY 2017; 27:458-464. [PMID: 28120835 PMCID: PMC5526738 DOI: 10.1038/jes.2016.82] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2016] [Accepted: 12/08/2016] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
It is hypothesized that certain chemicals in personal care products may alter the risk of adverse health outcomes. The primary aim of this study was to use a data-centered approach to classify complex patterns of exposure to personal care products and to understand how these patterns vary according to use of exogenous hormone exposures, oral contraceptives (OCs) and post-menopausal hormone therapy (HT). The NIEHS Sister Study is a prospective cohort study of 50,884 US women. Limiting the sample to non-Hispanic blacks and whites (N=47,019), latent class analysis (LCA) was used to identify groups of individuals with similar patterns of personal care product use based on responses to 48 survey questions. Personal care products were categorized into three product types (beauty, hair, and skincare products) and separate latent classes were constructed for each type. Adjusted prevalence differences (PD) were calculated to estimate the association between exogenous hormone use, as measured by ever/never OC or HT use, and patterns of personal care product use. LCA reduced data dimensionality by grouping of individuals with similar patterns of personal care product use into mutually exclusive latent classes (three latent classes for beauty product use, three for hair, and four for skin care. There were strong differences in personal care usage by race, particularly for haircare products. For both blacks and whites, exogenous hormone exposures were associated with higher levels of product use, especially beauty and skincare products. Relative to individual product use questions, latent class variables capture complex patterns of personal care product usage. These patterns differed by race and were associated with ever OC and HT use. Future studies should consider personal care product exposures with other exogenous exposures when modeling health risks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyla W. Taylor
- Office of Health Assessment and Translation, National Toxicology Program, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, NIH, DHHS, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709 USA
| | - Donna D. Baird
- Epidemiology Department, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Amy H. Herring
- Biostatistics Deptartment, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
- Carolina Population Center, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Lawrence S. Engel
- Epidemiology Deptartment, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Hazel B. Nichols
- Epidemiology Deptartment, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Dale P. Sandler
- Epidemiology Department, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Melissa A. Troester
- Epidemiology Deptartment, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
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Myers SL, Yang CZ, Bittner GD, Witt KL, Tice RR, Baird DD. Estrogenic and anti-estrogenic activity of off-the-shelf hair and skin care products. JOURNAL OF EXPOSURE SCIENCE & ENVIRONMENTAL EPIDEMIOLOGY 2015; 25:271-7. [PMID: 24849798 PMCID: PMC4318791 DOI: 10.1038/jes.2014.32] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2014] [Revised: 03/26/2014] [Accepted: 03/27/2014] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Use of personal care products is widespread in the United States but tends to be greater among African Americans than whites. Of special concern is the possible hazard of absorption of chemicals with estrogenic activity (EA) or anti-EA (AEA) in these products. Such exposure may have adverse health effects, especially when it occurs during developmental windows (e.g., prepubertally) when estrogen levels are low. We assessed the ethanol extracts of eight commonly used hair and skin products popular among African Americans for EA and AEA using a cell proliferation assay with the estrogen sensitive MCF-7:WS8 cell line derived from a human breast cancer. Four of the eight personal care products tested (Oil Hair Lotion, Extra-dry Skin Lotion, Intensive Skin Lotion, Petroleum Jelly) demonstrated detectable EA, whereas three (Placenta Hair Conditioner, Tea-Tree Hair Conditioner, Cocoa Butter Skin Cream) exhibited AEA. Our data indicate that hair and skin care products can have EA or AEA, and suggest that laboratory studies are warranted to investigate the in vivo activity of such products under chronic exposure conditions as well as epidemiologic studies to investigate potential adverse health effects that might be associated with use of such products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharon L. Myers
- Epidemiology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
- University of California Davis Health System, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | | | - George D. Bittner
- CertiChem, Austin, TX, USA
- Neurobiology Section and School of Biology, University of Texas, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Kristine L. Witt
- Division of the National Toxicology Program, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Raymond R. Tice
- Division of the National Toxicology Program, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Donna D. Baird
- Epidemiology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
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James-Todd T, Senie R, Terry MB. Racial/Ethnic Differences in Hormonally-Active Hair Product Use: A Plausible Risk Factor for Health Disparities. J Immigr Minor Health 2011; 14:506-11. [DOI: 10.1007/s10903-011-9482-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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13
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James-Todd T, Terry MB, Rich-Edwards J, Deierlein A, Senie R. Childhood hair product use and earlier age at menarche in a racially diverse study population: a pilot study. Ann Epidemiol 2011; 21:461-5. [PMID: 21421329 DOI: 10.1016/j.annepidem.2011.01.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2010] [Revised: 01/18/2011] [Accepted: 01/31/2011] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Previous studies suggest that hair products containing endocrine disrupting chemicals could alter puberty. We evaluated the association between childhood hair product use and age at menarche in a racially diverse study population. METHODS We recruited 300 African-American, African-Caribbean, Hispanic, and white women from the New York City metropolitan area who were between 18-77 years of age. Data were collected retrospectively on hair oil, lotion, leave-in conditioner, perm, and other types of hair products used before age 13. Recalled age at menarche ranged from 8 to 19 years. We used multivariable binomial regression to evaluate the association between hair product use and age at menarche (<12 vs. ≥12), adjusting for potential confounders. RESULTS African-Americans were more likely to use hair products and reached menarche earlier than other racial/ethnic groups. Women reporting childhood hair oil use had a risk ratio of 1.4 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.1-1.9) for earlier menarche, adjusting for race/ethnicity and year of birth. Hair perm users had an increased risk for earlier menarche (adjusted risk ratio = 1.4, 95% CI: 1.1-1.8). Other types of hair products assessed in this study were not associated with earlier menarche. CONCLUSIONS Childhood hair oil and perm use were associated with earlier menarche. If replicated, these results suggest that hair product use may be important to measure in evaluating earlier age at menarche.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamarra James-Todd
- Connors Center for Women's Health and Gender Biology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA 02120, USA
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Chakraborty D, Basu JM, Sen P, Sundar S, Roy S. Human placental extract offers protection against experimental visceral leishmaniasis: a pilot study for a phase-I clinical trial. ANNALS OF TROPICAL MEDICINE AND PARASITOLOGY 2008; 102:21-38. [PMID: 18186975 DOI: 10.1179/136485908x252133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
An aqueous extract of human placenta (HPE) was found to offer protection against established experimental visceral leishmaniasis in BALB/c mice and hamsters, whether the Leishmania donovani strain involved was one that was sensitive or resistant to pentavalent antimony. Intraperitoneal administration of the extract, into mice or hamsters that had been infected 2 months previously, led to antileishmanial T-cell proliferation among splenic mononuclear cells, the generation of host-protective cytokines (interferon-gamma, tumour necrosis factor and interleukin-12) and the upregulation of the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (and subsequent NO generation) in splenocytes. Furthermore, splenic macrophages from the HPE-treated mice showed increased generation of reactive oxygen species and enhanced surface expression of antigens of major histocompatibility complex class II (MHCII), and the extract restored the otherwise-defective antigen-presenting ability of the macrophages. Thus, in mice and hamsters infected with L. donovani, HPE therapy can stimulate both arms of the host's immune system and favour the complete resolution of the leishmanial infection. Among five human cases of visceral leishmaniasis, 30 daily intramuscular injections of HPE, at doses much lower than those used in the experimental infections, also gave very promising results. Based on the results of this pilot study, a further evaluation of the efficacy of HPE therapy, which may offer a cost-effective way of improving the treatment of antimony-resistant cases of visceral leishmaniasis, is being undertaken.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Chakraborty
- Department of Immunology, Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, 4 Raja S. C. Mullick Road, Kolkata 700032, India
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Donovan M, Tiwary CM, Axelrod D, Sasco AJ, Jones L, Hajek R, Sauber E, Kuo J, Davis DL. Personal care products that contain estrogens or xenoestrogens may increase breast cancer risk. Med Hypotheses 2007; 68:756-66. [PMID: 17127015 DOI: 10.1016/j.mehy.2006.09.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2006] [Accepted: 09/20/2006] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Established models of breast cancer risk, such as the Gail model, do not account for patterns of the disease in women under the age of 35, especially in African Americans. With the possible exceptions of ionizing radiation or inheriting a known genetic mutation, most of the known risk factors for breast cancer are related to cumulative lifetime exposure to estrogens. Increased risk of breast cancer has been associated with earlier onset of menses or later age at menopause, nulliparity or late first parity, use of hormonal contraceptives or hormone replacement therapy, shorter lactation history, exposure to light at night, obesity, and regular ingestion of alcohol, all of which increase circulating levels of unbound estradiol. Among African Americans at all ages, use of hormone-containing personal care products (PCPs) is more common than among whites, as is premature appearance of secondary sexual characteristics among infants and toddlers. We hypothesize that the use of estrogen and other hormone-containing PCPs in young African American women accounts, in part, for their increased risk of breast cancer prior to menopause, by subjecting breast buds to elevated estrogen exposure during critical windows of vulnerability in utero and in early life. These early life and continuing exposures to estrogenic and xenoestrogenic agents may also contribute to the increased lethality of breast cancer in young women in general and in African American women of all ages. Public disclosure by manufacturers of proprietary hormonally active ingredients is required for this research to move forward.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryann Donovan
- Center for Environmental Oncology, University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Graduate School of Public Health, Department of Epidemiology, UPMC Cancer Pavilion, Pittsburgh, PA 15232, USA
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Wang RY, Needham LL, Barr DB. Effects of environmental agents on the attainment of puberty: considerations when assessing exposure to environmental chemicals in the National Children's Study. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2005; 113:1100-7. [PMID: 16079085 PMCID: PMC1280355 DOI: 10.1289/ehp.7615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
The apparent decline in the age at puberty in the United States raises a general level of concern because of the potential clinical and social consequences of such an event. Nutritional status, genetic predisposition (race/ethnicity), and environmental chemicals are associated with altered age at puberty. The Exposure to Chemical Agents Working Group of the National Children's Study (NCS) presents an approach to assess exposure for chemicals that may affect the age of maturity in children. The process involves conducting the assessment by life stages (i.e., in utero, postnatal, peripubertal), adopting a general categorization of the environmental chemicals by biologic persistence, and collecting and storing biologic specimens that are most likely to yield meaningful information. The analysis of environmental samples and use of questionnaire data are essential in the assessment of chemicals that cannot be measured in biologic specimens, and they can assist in the evaluation of exposure to nonpersistent chemicals. Food and dietary data may be used to determine the extent to which nutrients and chemicals from this pathway contribute to the variance in the timing of puberty. Additional research is necessary in several of these areas and is ongoing. The NCS is uniquely poised to evaluate the effects of environmental chemicals on the age at puberty, and the above approach will allow the NCS to accomplish this task.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Y Wang
- National Center for Environmental Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia 30341, USA.
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