The Conference of Safe Cosmetics will urge society not to wait for scientific proof to reduce exposure to the chemicals. This is the time to take action.

Humans are exposed to mixtures, and studying mixtures is very difficult. Nobody will have the whole picture, and it will take many, many years to collect epidemiological evidence, so the society should take some preventive measures now.

Although virtually all women are exposed to the chemicals, some may be more susceptible because of differing metabolism or ability to repair DNA.

Reviewing hundreds of existing studies and databases, the research team produced what it called "the most comprehensive compilation to date of chemicals identified as mammary carcinogens." No new chemical testing was conducted for the reports.

The researchers named 216 chemicals that induce breast tumors in animals. Of those, people are highly exposed to 97, including industrial solvents, pesticides, dyes, gasoline and diesel exhaust compounds, cosmetics ingredients, hormones, pharmaceuticals, radiation, and a chemical in chlorinated drinking water.

Breast cancer is probably triggered by an interaction of multiple environmental and genetic factors. Experts have long suspected diet plays a role. But the new research found "no association that is consistent, strong and statistically significant" for any particular foods raising or reducing breast cancer risk. There is substantial evidence, however, that regularly consuming alcohol, being obese and being sedentary increase risk.

By all means, Cosmet World Convention & Exhibition 2007 will focus on breast cancer prevention and improving women’s health by identifying and eliminating environmental links to the disease.