What kinds of chemicals does Silent Spring Institute focus on—and why?
Our researchers focus on two types of chemicals: those that cause mammary tumors in animals and those that disrupt hormones. In particular, our scientists study chemicals in the environment that mimic estrogen. Natural estrogen is a well-established breast cancer risk factor; as a result, synthetic chemicals that act like estrogen when in our bodies are potential sources of increased risk of breast cancer. The chemicals we focus on have everyday sources—such as pesticides, detergents, and plastics—and can be found in our drinking water, household dust, and indoor air.
