That is why I am deeply concerned by a recent study that may suggest a link between the use of professional dry cleaning and a greater incidence of breast cancer in women. The study, conducted by the non-profit Silent Spring Institute and funded by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, randomly questioned 1,350 women between the ages of 35 and 75. The study showed that women in neighborhoods with higher rates of breast cancer typically had higher incomes and education levels than women in areas of lower breast cancer rates. Known risk factors including family history accounted for only a small part of the differences between areas.
Women wear dry cleaned clothes every day.
When women pick up their clothes from the dry cleaners, they don't suspect that the chemicals used to clean the clothes may be killing them. If these chemicals may lead to breast cancer, we need to know that, and what the safe alternatives may be. I therefore request that the Department of Health and Human Services review the Silent Spring Institute study and all other relevant available research and undertake a comprehensive review to determine whether women who use professional dry cleaning are at an increased risk of breast cancer. I believe that this issue is of the utmost importance and urgency, and I ask that the Department accord it the appropriate attention. Thank you for your attention to this matter.