Studies show women of color face higher exposures to toxic chemicals relative to White women, regardless of socioeconomic status. Black women and children also have increased rates of hormone-mediated health conditions. For example, in the United States, Black women have higher rates of diabetes, experience earlier menarche, more prevalent fibroids, and more aggressive forms of breast and endometrial cancers.
Many personal care and household products contain endocrine disrupting chemicals that act like or interfere with hormones in the body and can affect the developing reproductive and nervous systems, metabolism, and cancer. Research also shows that endocrine disruptors likely contribute to health problems that exacerbate the effects of COVID-19.
Based on preliminary data and community knowledge, women of color tend to use different products than other groups, which may explain their higher chemical body burdens. These higher exposures also add to the cumulative burden faced by an already vulnerable population and underscore the importance of reducing exposures to harmful chemicals that increase health risks.