When you’re trying to understand the health risks of chemicals in our environment, it can feel overwhelming to sift through countless websites, studies, and claims. How do you know what sources to trust? How do you make sense of scientific studies that seem to contradict each other?
This guide will help you navigate the world of chemical health research with confidence.
Understanding Peer-Reviewed Science: The Gold Standard
What is peer-reviewed research?
Peer-reviewed research is the backbone of reliable science. Before any study gets published in a reputable scientific journal, it goes through a rigorous process where other experts in the field—the “peers”—carefully examine the research methods, data analysis, and conclusions.
Think of it as a quality control system where scientists check each other’s work.
This process typically takes months and often results in researchers having to revise their work, provide additional data, or sometimes even start over. Only studies that meet high scientific standards make it through this process.
Why does peer review matter for chemical safety?
When you’re reading about whether a chemical might cause cancer or disrupt hormones, peer-reviewed studies give you the most reliable information because:
- Multiple experts have verified the research methods
- The data has been scrutinized for accuracy
- The conclusions are supported by evidence
- Potential conflicts of interest are disclosed
Making Sense of Animal Studies vs. Human Studies
You’ve probably seen headlines like “Chemical X causes cancer in rats” and wondered, “But what does this mean for humans?” Understanding the relationship between animal toxicology studies and human health is crucial for interpreting chemical safety research.
Why do we use animal studies?
| Reason | Explanation |
| Ethics | We can’t deliberately expose humans to potentially harmful chemicals |
| Controlled conditions | Researchers can control diet, environment, and exposure levels |
| Faster results | Animals have shorter lifespans, so lifetime effects can be studied more quickly |
How animal studies translate to humans
While animal studies aren’t perfect predictors of human health effects, they’re remarkably useful. Many chemicals that cause cancer in multiple animal species also cause cancer in humans.
Look for:
- Consistent results across different animal species
- Biological mechanisms that are similar in animals and humans
- Dose-response relationships (higher exposure = greater effects)
Human studies: The ultimate evidence
The strongest evidence comes from epidemiological studies that track human populations over time. These studies compare health outcomes between people exposed to chemicals and unexposed groups.
Your Go-To Resources for Reliable Chemical Safety Information
Government & Regulatory Powerhouses
National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS)
Website: niehs.nih.gov
What you’ll find: Research summaries, fact sheets, and reports on environmental health
Why it’s reliable: Government-funded research with no commercial interests
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
Website: epa.gov (search for “chemical safety” or specific chemicals)
What you’ll find: Risk assessments, safety evaluations, and regulatory information
Strength: Comprehensive reviews that consider multiple studies
National Toxicology Program (NTP)
Website: ntp.niehs.nih.gov
What you’ll find: The Report on Carcinogens – the definitive list of cancer-causing substances
Why it’s valuable: Rigorous scientific review involving multiple agencies
International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC)
Website: iarc.who.int
What you’ll find: Authoritative cancer evaluations organized into clear categories
Global perspective: Reviews evidence from studies worldwide
Academic & Scientific Databases
PubMed – Your Research Starting Point
Website: pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
What it is: The world’s largest database of biomedical research
Pro tip: Search for specific chemicals, then filter for “Review” articles for comprehensive overviews
Look for: “Systematic reviews” and “meta-analyses” that analyze multiple studies together
Cochrane Library – The Gold Standard
Website: cochranelibrary.com
What you’ll find: High-quality systematic reviews synthesizing evidence from multiple studies
Why it’s special: Known for extremely rigorous methodology
Specialized Chemical Safety Resources
Breast Cancer Prevention Partners (BCPP) Scientific Evidence
Website: bcpp.org/scientific-evidence
What you’ll find: Research summaries that translate complex peer-reviewed studies into accessible information
Why it’s valuable: Expert analysis specifically focused on breast cancer and environmental factors
BCPP Research Translation Examples:
BCPP excels at translating peer-reviewed research into actionable information:[1]
- “State of the Evidence 2017” – BCPP’s comprehensive literature review published in the peer-reviewed journal Environmental Health examined hundreds of studies linking radiation and various chemicals to breast cancer, demonstrating how multiple individual studies build compelling evidence[2]
- Chemical Analysis Reports – BCPP summarized a 2024 study identifying over 900 chemicals including PFAS, benzenes, bisphenols, and phthalates that activate hormonal pathways linked to breast cancer[3]
- Plastics Research – Clear explanations of how 414 breast cancer-related chemicals found in plastics affect biological mechanisms, with BCPP noting that many people encounter toxic, cancer-causing chemicals through plastics, often without knowing the health risks[4]
- Consumer Product Testing – BCPP testing on beauty, personal care, and cleaning products revealed that 1 out of every 4 fragrance ingredients detected in their tests were linked to cancer, birth defects, respiratory harm, neurotoxicity, endocrine disruption, or allergens[5]
BCPP’s Science-Based Consumer Guides
Website: bcpp.org/our-work/tips-for-prevention
What you’ll find: Practical shopping guides based on peer-reviewed research
Examples include:
Safer Cookware Information – Based on studies showing PFAS chemicals and BPA can leach when heated, with BCPP explaining how California’s AB 1200 law now requires cookware manufacturers to disclose hazardous chemicals in their products[6]
Personal Care Product Safety – Derived from research on parabens, phthalates, and benzophenones linked to endocrine disruption, with BCPP’s Campaign for Safe Cosmetics providing guidance on ingredients to avoid[7]
Sunscreen Safety – Translates research on chemical vs. mineral sunscreen ingredients into practical recommendations, noting that many sunscreens contain chemicals that can mimic estrogen in the body and disrupt the endocrine system[8]
These guides exemplify how peer-reviewed science gets translated into actionable consumer information.
ChemSec’s SIN List (Substitute It Now)
Website: chemsec.org/sin-list
What it is: Database of chemicals of concern based on scientific evidence
Useful for: Checking if a chemical has been flagged by the scientific community
Collaborative on Health and the Environment (CHE)
Website: healthandenvironment.org
What you’ll find: Toxicant and Disease Database linking chemicals to health outcomes
Strength: Comprehensive database with links to original research
The Endocrine Disruption Exchange (TEDX)
Website: endocrinedisruption.org
Focus: Specifically on endocrine disrupting chemicals
What you’ll find: Lists of chemicals with endocrine disrupting potential based on peer-reviewed research
Reading Scientific Studies: A Practical Guide
When you find a study, here’s your evaluation checklist:
Step 1: Check the Source
- Is it published in a peer-reviewed journal?
- Who funded the research? (Industry-funded studies may have conflicts)
- Are authors affiliated with reputable institutions?
Step 2: Examine the Study Design
- Sample size: Larger studies = more reliable
- Control groups: Good studies compare exposed vs. unexposed groups
- Duration: Longer studies detect effects that take time to develop
Step 3: Consider the Bigger Picture
- Does this align with other research on the same topic?
- Have findings been replicated by other researchers?
- What do review papers and health agencies say about this chemical?
Red Flags: Sources to Approach with Caution
Be wary of:
- Studies funded entirely by industries that benefit from downplaying risks
- Sources making dramatic claims not supported by peer-reviewed research
- Information that seems too good (or bad) to be true
Putting It All Together: Making Informed Decisions
Remember: Science is an ongoing process. New studies constantly add to our understanding, and scientific consensus can evolve.
Your Strategy:
- Look for patterns – One study rarely tells the whole story
- Consider the source – Prioritize peer-reviewed research from reputable institutions
- Seek expert interpretation – Health agencies often provide helpful summaries
- Stay updated – Follow trusted sources for new developments
Your Action Plan
Start here:
- Bookmark key resources mentioned in this guide
- Practice searching PubMed for a chemical you’re curious about
- Check what health agencies say about chemicals of concern to you
- Look for recent review articles that summarize current knowledge
- Explore BCPP’s research summaries to see how peer-reviewed studies translate into practical health information
Real-World Example: Peer-Reviewed Research in Action
BCPP’s approach demonstrates how peer-reviewed research translates into policy and consumer action. Since 2002, BCPP has published multiple editions of “State of the Evidence” linking toxic chemicals and radiation with breast cancer incidence.[9] Their 2017 update, published in the peer-reviewed journal Environmental Health, examined hundreds of new papers published in the eight years since their previous comprehensive review.[10] This systematic approach to reviewing scientific literature has informed major policy initiatives, including California’s groundbreaking legislation banning PFAS from cosmetics, food packaging, and textiles.[11]
The Bottom Line
Understanding chemical safety research empowers you to make informed decisions about your health and advocate for safer policies in your community. While the science can seem complex, these reliable resources and evaluation strategies will help you navigate the information landscape with confidence.
The goal isn’t to become a toxicologist overnight — it’s to become a more informed consumer of scientific information. When you can distinguish between reliable and unreliable sources, you’re better equipped to protect your health and that of your family.
Ready to dive deeper? Start with the resources above and remember: knowledge is your most powerful tool for prevention.
Bibliography
[1] Breast Cancer Prevention Partners. “Publications.” March 24, 2025. https://www.bcpp.org/science-policy/publications/.
[2] Gray, Janet M., Sharima Rasanayagam, Connie Engel, and Jeanne Rizzo. “State of the evidence 2017: an update on the connection between breast cancer and the environment.” Environmental Health 16, no. 1 (2017): 94.
[3] Breast Cancer Prevention Partners. “State of the Evidence 2017.” June 21, 2024. https://www.bcpp.org/resource/state-evidence-2017/.
[4] Breast Cancer Prevention Partners. “Plastics.” April 13, 2023. https://www.bcpp.org/resource/plastics/.
[5] Breast Cancer Prevention Partners. “What are fragrances made of?” June 7, 2024. https://www.bcpp.org/what-are-fragrances-made-of/.
[6] Breast Cancer Prevention Partners. “What California’s New Safer Cookware Law Means for You.” November 3, 2021. https://www.bcpp.org/what-californias-new-safer-cookware-law-means-for-you/.
[7] Breast Cancer Prevention Partners. “Personal Care Product Tips.” September 12, 2022. https://www.bcpp.org/our-work/tips-for-prevention/personal-care-products/.
[8] Breast Cancer Prevention Partners. “Top ways to have a safer summer.” June 20, 2019. https://www.bcpp.org/top-ways-to-have-a-safer-summer/.
[9] Breast Cancer Prevention Partners. “State of the Evidence 2017.”
[10] Gray et al., “State of the evidence 2017.”
[11] Breast Cancer Prevention Partners. “New Laws Protecting Californians From Toxic Chemicals Go Into Effect.” December 30, 2024. https://www.bcpp.org/new-laws-protecting-californians-from-toxic-chemicals-go-into-effect/.
