Breast cancer fears over chemical found in SHAMPOO and beauty products

Low doses of a chemical found in shampoos and cosmetic products has been linked to breast cancer in a new study

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Parabens, also found in a range of body lotions and sunscreens, have previously been linked with the disease but new research suggests much smaller amounts could be dangerous.

And researchers believe that exposure to these chemicals are particularly harmful at puberty and during pregnancy, different research centres across the US found.

Parabens activate the production of oestrogen, mimicking the natural hormone oestradiol. Both oestradiol and oestrogens have been linked to breast cancer and reproductive problems.

Lead investigator Dale Leitman, a gynaecologist and molecular biologist, said: “Although parabens are known to mimic the growth effects of oestrogens on breast cancer cells, some consider their effect too weak to cause harm.