Geneva study claims aluminium deodorants salts ‘may trigger tumours’

September 27, 2016

Study by scientists in Geneva linked aluminium salts to breast cancer
Argues long-term exposure can cause tumours to develop and spread
Previous studies were met with caution and refuted by manufacturers
But lead author compared it to similar skepticism over asbestos in the past

Kate Pickles For Mailonline

Published:
03:27 EST, 27 September 2016

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Updated:
04:33 EST, 27 September 2016

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Long-term exposure to aluminium chloride can trigger the development of tumours which spread to other parts of the body

Women who regularly use deodorants containing aluminium salts could be at greater risk of developing breast cancer, a new study has claimed.

Swiss researchers argue long-term exposure to aluminium chloride can trigger the development of tumours which spread to other parts of the body.

But previous studies have denied there is any link – and manufacturers insist products are entirely safe.

The latest study, by scientists at the University of Geneva, suggests there may be an increased risk due to the use of aluminium compounds in antiperspirants.

These compounds temporarily block sweat glands – but can build up in breast tissue and produce some oestrogen-like effects.

While some simple deodorants, designed just to mask odour, do not contain them, most do.

André-Pascal Sappino, co-author of the study, looked at isolated human mammary cells and later replicated it in studies on mice.

The study found long term exposure resulted in tumours which metastasise – or spread.

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He said there was compared people’s scepticism over its potential cancer-causing properties to asbestos.

‘Asbestos is cheap, has very attractive industrial potential, and it took 50 years to ban it.

‘We hope it doesn’t take so long to ban aluminium salts,’ he told The Local.

He said injections of aluminium salts in mice resulted in ‘very aggressive tumours’.

Professor Sappino, an oncologist, said that although no formal link has been established, he would advise women – and even men – against using deodorants that contain the salts.

It is thought the compounds temporarily block sweat glands – but can build up in breast tissue and produce some oestrogen-like effects, which are linked to breast cancer

Dr Sally Norton, an NHS consultant, previously told MailOnline that studies so far have been inconclusive.

‘If the risk was very high, we would know about it by now so we shouldn’t be too alarmed,’ she said.

‘However, the increasing use of chemical products on ourselves, around the home and in our wider environment is almost certainly causing some harmful effects and we should try to reduce them wherever possible. ‘

Co-authored by four researchers from the Clinique des Grangettes, Professor said further research was needed and he expected a backlash from the cosmetics industry.

The study has been published in the International Journal of Cancer.