Question : Detergents Causing Cancer

Will the Minister of HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE be pleased to state:

(a) whether the Government has noted that the recent study conducted by an NGO’s show that the use of ten detergents in India is causing cancer;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c) whether the Government has taken any steps to identify the detergents that are causing cancer;

(d) if so, the details thereof;

(e) whether the Government has any plan to ban such detergents in the country; and

(f) if so, the details thereof and the steps taken by the Government in this regard?

ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND
FAMILY WELFARE
(SHRI ASHWINI KUMAR CHOUBEY)
(a) to (f): Yes. A study conducted by the environmental Non-Government Organization (NGO) “Toxic Link” states that certain detergents cause cancer. The study claims that Nonylphenol, organic compounds used in production of detergents may cause cancer. Scientific studies report differing opinions about carcinogenic potential of Nonylphenol. It is reported that this compound’s potential role as an endocrine disruptor and due to its ability to act like estrogen it may cause increased incidences of breast cancer. However, Nonylphenol has not been classified by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) as human carcinogen. Due to lack of scientific evidence that Nonylphenol may affect human health, there is no maximum residual limit or safety level proposed by World Health Organization, European Food Safety Authority or any other International agencies.

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