A recent investigation by consumer watchdog groups from Hungary, Austria, Slovenia, and the Czech Republic has revealed dangerously high levels of endocrine-disrupting chemicals in women’s underwear. The study, which included contributions from the Czech environmental advocacy group Arnika, focused on bisphenols—synthetic chemicals often found in plastics that have been linked to serious health risks.

Bisphenols, particularly bisphenol A (BPA), are widely used in industrial manufacturing, including food packaging, medical devices, and textiles. BPA is classified as a hazardous chemical by the European Union and has been linked to a range of health issues, including fertility problems, hormonal imbalances, and cognitive impairments. The watchdog groups tested 166 types of women’s underwear from Hungary, Austria, and Slovenia for the presence of these chemicals, with concerning results.

The study found that 30% of the tested underwear samples contained bisphenols, while 10% had levels higher than what is considered safe for human health by regulatory bodies. Interestingly, the tests revealed that bisphenol levels were higher in underwear from well-known brands compared to cheaper alternatives. However, cotton underwear was found to be largely free from bisphenols, regardless of the brand.

“Although cotton products are available for women, our initial market research showed that the majority of women’s panties are made from synthetic materials,” said Júlia Dénes, a chemist with the Hungarian Association of Conscious Consumers. This reliance on synthetic fabrics may increase the risk of exposure to harmful chemicals, according to the researchers.

The health risks associated with bisphenol A are well-documented. The European Environment Agency has warned that the chemical can negatively impact fertility, cause allergic reactions, damage eyesight, disrupt hormonal systems, and affect cognitive function and metabolism. While most exposure to BPA comes from food and drink packaging, experts believe that it can also be absorbed through the skin—raising concerns about its presence in everyday clothing items.

This study adds to growing evidence of widespread bisphenol contamination. Last year, EU-funded research found bisphenol A in the urine of 92% of people tested across 11 European countries, with many cases exceeding European safety limits. While BPA is already banned in certain products, such as baby bottles and food packaging for young children, it remains prevalent in many consumer goods.

In June, EU member states supported a plan to ban bisphenol A in food and drink packaging across the bloc. However, environmental advocates argue that the regulatory framework is lagging behind scientific evidence. “Manufacturers are replacing BPA with other bisphenols, which pose similar health risks and are not yet banned,” said Karolina Brabcova, consumer campaigns manager with Arnika’s toxics and waste programme.

Advocates are calling for stricter regulations, urging authorities to ban bisphenols and other harmful chemicals from all consumer products to better protect public health.

Copenhagen, Denmark — A recent study from the Danish Cancer Institute has found that hormone-releasing intrauterine devices (IUDs) may be associated with a slightly higher risk of breast cancer among young women. The large-scale study, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), has prompted health professionals to reconsider the risks and benefits of hormonal contraceptives.

The research examined health outcomes for around 79,000 women, aged 15 to 49, who used hormonal IUDs, such as the Mirena coil, compared to a similar group of women who did not use any form of hormonal birth control. The women were monitored over an average of 6.8 years. While the overall risk of developing breast cancer remained low, the study found that hormonal IUD users faced a slightly higher risk—about 14 additional cases of breast cancer per 10,000 women.

Hormonal IUDs, which release a progesterone-like hormone to prevent pregnancy, are commonly used across Europe, with about 8.1% of reproductive-age women relying on this form of contraception. Unlike copper IUDs, which do not involve hormones, devices like the Mirena coil work by slowly releasing hormones directly into the uterus. Many medical professionals had previously believed this localized hormone release posed a lower risk of breast cancer compared to oral contraceptive pills, which expose the body to higher levels of hormones.

However, the new findings challenge this assumption. “The results of this study are highly unexpected,” said Dr. Channa Jayasena, a reproductive endocrinologist at Imperial College London, who was not involved in the research.

The study has limitations, as it did not account for lifestyle factors like smoking, alcohol consumption, and obesity, all of which are known breast cancer risk factors. These unmeasured variables could influence the study’s results, but the data has nonetheless raised concerns.

Doctors and researchers are now advising that healthcare providers include potential breast cancer risks when discussing hormonal IUDs with patients. “My advice for women is that breast cancer risk caused by [IUDs] is not established but warrants a closer look,” Jayasena added.

This is not the first study to suggest a link between hormonal contraceptives and breast cancer. Last year, researchers at the University of Oxford found that progestogen-only contraceptives, regardless of their form, were associated with a slight increase in breast cancer risk. Experts suggest that the increased risk from IUDs may be similar to that posed by oral contraceptives.

Despite the findings, there remains broad medical consensus that the benefits of hormonal contraception outweigh the risks. Dr. Mangesh Thorat, a breast cancer surgeon and researcher at Queen Mary University of London, noted that certain types of IUDs have been shown to reduce the risks of cervical, endometrial, and ovarian cancers.

Thorat also highlighted that contraceptive risks change with age, suggesting that women nearing 40 should consider non-hormonal alternatives in consultation with their healthcare providers.