According to a report published in an American Cancer Society publication, 216 chemicals found in urban air and consumer products are known to cause breast cancer in animals.

A research team representing five institutions (Silent Spring Institute, Harvard Medical School and School of Public Health, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, and Keck School of Medicine at USC) reviewed hundreds of existing studies and databases in producing “the most comprehensive compilation to date of chemicals identified as mammary carcinogens.”

Because “mammals such as rats and mice often develop the same tumors as humans, animal tests are efficient means of testing the effects of chemicals,” reports Marla Cone of the LA Times.

Environmental regulators, often want conclusive human data before taking action. However, breast cancer is so common and the use of chemicals is so widespread, researchers concluded that “the public health impact of reducing exposures would be profound even if the true relative risks are modest.”