Africa is set to open a new research centre that will look at the impact of chemicals no longer used in Western nations to see whether their effects are linked with the onset of cancer.
Chemical Watch revealed the University of Pretoria in South Africa will host the Pan African Cancer Research Institute (Pacri), looking particularly at the side effects of endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) and whether they are linked with hormone-sensitive cancers, such as prostrate and breast cancer.
Scientific director of Pacri Zodwa Diamini told the publication: “We’re using [substances] that first-world countries don’t.”
Therefore, Pacri will conduct further research into “the mechanisms and action of chemicals, and cancer information, and if we find positive results, hopefully, that will affect policy change”.
While there is extensive knowledge regarding infectious diseases like HIV and malaria in Africa, little is being researched into the impact of these chemicals, despite seven out of ten cancer deaths occurring in nations with low or middle incomes where EDC exposure is high.
Professor of environmental health at the University of Pretoria Tiaan de Jager added: “Endocrine disruptors are a big issue, and they haven’t been examined closely enough here.”
Scientists believe it is important to look at these chemicals with regards to the environment, exposure and dietary factors that affect African people, as these differ greatly from communities in Europe.
This comes after a study in Sweden looked at the link between exposure to EDCs during pregnancy and children’s IQ afterwards.
Researchers in the SELMA report found mothers who experienced higher levels of EDCs while pregnant had children with lower IQ scores, especially if they gave birth to boys, Healthline reported.
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