Is your antiperspirant killing you...That’s a question you might want to ask yourself. But don’t stop there: also take a closer look at anti-bacterial soaps, cleaning wipes, cosmetics, even toothpaste.

For years the link between breast cancer and antiperspirants has been scoffed at and regarded as urban myth due to a lack of evidence. That was until British researchers found chemicals used in antiperspirants and other cosmetic products in breast tumors. "Our research certainly does not prove causality, but we believe that in a few of these tumors the level of this chemical was high enough to promote breast cancer cell growth,” says lead researcher Philippa Darbre, PhD. In a more recent study, British researcher Dr Chris Exley, showed that higher concentrations of aluminum salts, a common ingredient in antiperspirants, can be found in breast tissue and breast fat nearest to the underarm region. In 17 breast cancer patients who underwent a mastectomy, aluminum was found to have passed through the underarm skin and into breast tissue. “Aluminum is a metalloestrogen, it is genotoxic, is bound by DNA and has been shown to be carcinogenic. The confirmed presence of aluminum in breast tissue biopsies highlights its potential as a possible factor in the aetiology of breast cancer,” said Dr. Exley.

Aluminum used in antiperspirants acts as estrogen and therefore could increase the risk of other estrogen-related cancers, such as prostate cancer, and may also interfere with hormonal balance. There is a natural, effective alternative to antiperspirants that might just reduce your risk of some cancers. Natural deodorants made of large alum molecules in a salt form that cannot be absorbed into the body or blood stream are available. They don’t contain aluminum that can clog pores or enter the body. Neither do they stop the natural process of perspiration in attempting to eliminate odour. Natural deodorants work by keeping the bacteria on the skin from multiplying. They effectively impede the growth of bacteria by raising the pH level of the skin, forming a high-alkaline environment that stops bacteria in its tracks. Natural deodorants don’t just mask odour they actually eliminate it. Sources: www.about.com (Pam Stephan's Breast Cancer Blog); www.sciencedaily.com; www.webmd.com

Another chemical to be wary of is triclosan, one of the latest chemicals to be found in household cleaners, deodorants, cosmetics, anti-bacterial soaps, even toothpastes. Researchers have found it does more than kill bacteria. The American Medical Association and the FDA have both expressed concerns about this chemical leading to hormone-altering side effects and stating that “it may be prudent to avoid the use of antimicrobial agents in consumer products.” Echoing their concerns, researchers from numerous health institutions worldwide have also come to this conclusion.

A recent study conducted at the University of California, Davis, uncovered that one of the chemicals commonly added to antibacterial soaps can interfere with normal hormonal activity in the body. The researchers found that this chemical increased a process known as gene expression which is normally regulated by testosterone. They discovered that when they fed the chemical to male mice, the animals’ prostate glands grew abnormally large. Another study finds that triclosan can actually block signals from the brain to the muscle, including some of the most important muscles of all: the ones in your heart. In a series of experiments on mice, researchers found that exposure to triclosan cut heart function by 25%. It also decreased their grip strength for a full hour after exposure.

These are just some of the many reasons to switch to safe household cleaners and personal products.