ASPO Abstracts
Documenting product use patterns to help explain cancer-related chemical exposure inequities among women of color
Category: Culture and Cancer
Conference Year: 2021
Abstract Body:
Purpose: Women of color, particularly Black women, have higher exposures to certain consumer product
chemicals, including some that are linked to cancer based on endocrine activity promoting tumor growth.
Differences in product use, partially driven by socio-cultural factors, may contribute to exposure
inequities. However, the lack of data on product use by women of color makes it difficult to connect
product use patterns with exposure and health disparities.
Methods: We surveyed 357 California women (aged 18-34 years) about their use of cosmetics, hair,
feminine care, and leave-on and rinse-off personal care products. We compared product use, frequency
of use, and use of scented products among Black, Hispanic/Latinx, Asian, and White women. We also
asked why women choose products and where they seek additional information about products.
Results: Women reported using, on average, 8 of the 54 product types daily, and some up to 30 products
daily. Use of specific products was correlated so aggregate chemical exposures are a concern. There
were significant differences in use by race/ethnicity for about half of the product types. Hispanic/Latinx
and Asian women reported greater use of cosmetics than Black and White women, Black women
reported significantly higher number of hair products and slightly more feminine care products. Scented
product use was common; with 70% of women reported at least half products asked about as scented.
Women reported choosing products because of price and effectiveness, and less so brand name, and
relying on family and friends for product information.
Conclusions: We found significant differences in product use and frequency of use across
races/ethnicities. These data are important for developing strategies to limit exposure to consumer
product chemicals associated with cancer in order to address exposure and health inequities. Results
suggest that behavior change interventions focused on alternative products of similar price and
effectiveness and supported by friends and family could be effective. Tools that support individual
changes such as smartphone applications may help but should be complemented by approaches that
tackle policies and external and internal socio-cultural pressures that perpetuate disparities.
Keywords: chemical exposures, racial/ethnic disparities, personal care products