Chemical Exposures of Women Workers in the Plastics Industry with Particular Reference to Breast Cancer and Reproductive Hazards.

Despite concern about the harmful effects of substances contained in various <br/>plastic consumer products, little attention has focused on the more heavily <br/>exposed women working in the plastics industry. Through a review of the <br/>toxicology, industrial hygiene, and epidemiology literatures in conjunction <br/>with qualitative research, this article explores occupational exposures in producing <br/>plastics and health risks to workers, particularly women, who make up <br/>a large part of the workforce. The review demonstrates that workers are <br/>exposed to chemicals that have been identified as mammary carcinogens and <br/>endocrine disrupting chemicals, and that the work environment is heavily <br/>contaminated with dust and fumes. Consequently, plastics workers have a <br/>body burden that far exceeds that found in the general public.