The Journal of Applied Toxicology published a review paper by Phillippa Darbre, PhD, on metalloestrogens that calls for further research into the alleged link between aluminium salts in antiperspirants and breast cancer. The Cosmetic, Toiletry and Perfumery Association (CTPA) released a statement regarding this paper, saying it is a review and does not constitute new research. The CTPA reported it spoke with several leading cancer charities that all concur that consumers should not be alarmed by the publicity surrounding this review paper and can rest assured that there is no plausible biological mechanism by which antiperspirants could cause breast cancer.
Safety is the number one priority for the cosmetics industry, said CTPA, and the group is therefore concerned that consumers may misunderstand the publicity around the issue and worry unnecessarily. In response, the group has posted information for consumers and the official CTPA statement on its Web site.
