Many immigrant women working in the United States might be at risk of developing breast cancer due to chemical exposures on the job, according to a new study. This research, led by the Silent Spring Institute and published in the *Journal of Exposure Science & Environmental Epidemiology*, is among the first to examine how workplace chemical exposure may increase breast cancer risk for women born outside the U.S.
In many workplaces, health and safety regulations are not always strong or well-enforced—especially in jobs commonly held by immigrant women. The researchers aimed to understand whether the types of work these women do could help explain why breast cancer rates sometimes increase after they move to the U.S.
### Study Overview
Researchers from Silent Spring Institute, UC Berkeley, and UC San Francisco analyzed U.S. Census data to identify the most common jobs among immigrant women. They then compared this information with a list of California jobs known for harmful chemical exposures, particularly chemicals linked to breast cancer.
The most common occupations for immigrant women include house cleaners, nurses, cashiers, janitors, and care aides. Among these, house cleaners and nurses face the highest levels of exposure to harmful chemicals. These substances include cleaning products, perfumes, pesticides, and other agents that can disrupt hormones in the body—a key factor in breast cancer development.
### Workplace Safety and Gender Gaps
Dr. Kristin Knox, the study’s lead author, explained that most prior workplace safety research has focused on men. This has left a knowledge gap regarding women’s occupational health risks, especially for immigrant populations.
The study found that immigrant women are more likely to work in jobs with high chemical exposure, increasing their risk of long-term health problems. Language skills and education were significant factors as well. Those with better English proficiency and higher education levels were more likely to hold lower-risk jobs, such as office or tech roles. In contrast, women with limited English or less education often worked in higher-risk occupations.
### Challenges in Workplace Advocacy
Co-author Erin Carerra, a nurse at UCSF, noted that many immigrant women feel uncomfortable raising safety concerns at work. Fear of job loss, especially among undocumented workers, and language barriers that make warning labels hard to understand further complicate protecting their health.
### Next Steps in the Research
This study marks the beginning of a larger effort. In the next phase, researchers will collect detailed data by having women in high-exposure jobs wear silicone wristbands to measure airborne chemicals. They will also collect urine samples and conduct interviews to better understand workplace experiences and health issues.
The goal is to provide evidence that can lead to stronger safety regulations—for example, encouraging hospitals to use safer cleaning products and educating families who hire house cleaners about non-toxic alternatives and protective measures.
### Conclusion
Overall, this study highlights that immigrant women working in certain roles face higher risks of chemical exposure linked to breast cancer. Understanding these risks is a crucial step toward ensuring safe, healthy workplaces for all workers, regardless of their background or occupation.
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*This study is published in the Journal of Exposure Science & Environmental Epidemiology.*
https://knowridge.com/2025/10/these-high-risk-jobs-may-fuel-hidden-breast-cancer/