Plastic is everywhere — in our kitchens, bathrooms, closets, and landfills. The average household accumulates an alarming amount of single-use plastic every week, from grocery bags and beverage bottles to food packaging and disposable utensils. The good news? Making...
Is there a confirmed link between hair dye and breast cancer? The short answer is: not definitively for most women — but the picture is more concerning for Black women specifically. Overall, the results of studies that have looked at possible links between hair dyes...
What are chemical hair straighteners, and what chemicals do they contain? Chemical hair straighteners — also called relaxers — are products used to permanently or semi-permanently alter the structure of hair, making it straight or less curly. These products tend to be...
Your Searchable Guide to Breast Cancer and the Environment What does the science actually say about the link between the environment and breast cancer? For decades, that question has been difficult to answer — not because the evidence doesn’t exist, but because it has...
Researchers use multiple complementary approaches to study environmental causes of cancer, each with strengths and limitations that together build the scientific evidence base. Epidemiological Studies Epidemiology, the study of disease patterns in populations,...
Correlation means two things are associated or occur together, while causation means one actually causes the other. Establishing causation in environmental health research requires multiple types of evidence beyond simple correlation. The distinction between...
Conflicting study results are common in environmental health research due to the complexity of studying long-term, low-level exposures and the many factors that influence cancer development. Study Design Differences Variations in study design represent a major source...
The evidence linking environmental chemicals to breast cancer varies by specific chemical, with some showing strong associations and others requiring more research. The overall body of evidence suggests environmental factors play an important role in breast cancer...
While the body has natural detoxification systems, supporting these processes through lifestyle choices may help reduce chemical burdens, though “detox” products and extreme cleanses are generally unnecessary and potentially harmful. Natural Detoxification Systems The...
“Natural” and “organic” products can be safer alternatives, but these terms are not always regulated and don’t guarantee safety. Understanding what these labels mean helps make informed choices. Organic Standards and Certification The distinction between certified...
