A possible link between use of household cleaning products and breast cancer has been established. These products contain carcinogenic substances such as methylene chloride which is hazardous, a recent study has stated.

From the Cape Cod, Massachusetts, about 787 were asked about their experiences. They were diagnosed with breast cancer between 1988 and 1995. About 721 women who were not diagnosed with it were further asked about their experiences with the cleaning products.

The report found that between the highest and lowest quartile of self-reported household product, the association between breast cancer, combined cleaning products and combined air freshener products doubled.

It was also found that women who thought that such products cause breast cancer were the ones who were actually diagnosed with it.

Cancer researchers find household cleaners interesting as these researchers feel that ingredients which cause cancer in animal mammary glands, such as nitrobenzene found in soaps and methylene chloride which is found in fabric cleaners are often the cleaning products being used often.

A number of eco-friendly and healthy alternatives are being created now for cleaning your house and these contain no or very less toxic substances.