Research out of The Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota has discovered links between breast cancer risk and exposure to carcinogens and aromatics from gasoline.

Professor Leena Hilakivi-Clarke, PhD, The Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota, is the author of a paper appearing in the scientific journal iScience titled “Aromatics from fossil fuels and breast cancer.” In a review of existing scientific literature, researchers identified links between exposure to benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and xylene (BTEX) aromatics and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) from fossil fuels and breast cancer risk in humans.

“It is essential to reduce exposure to the products from burning fossil fuels to prevent breast cancer. We are studying if reducing BTEX exposure will reduce susceptibility to PAH induced breast cancer. One way to reduce BTEX compounds is to reduce exposure by adding ethanol to gasoline,” Dr. Hilakivi-Clarke said.

Listen to Dr. Hilakivi-Clarke summarize her findings:
Leena Hilakivi-Clarke, PhD, The Hormel Institute 4:59

Researchers have been studying the carcinogenic effects of compounds originating from burning fossil fuels through the Biofuels Research Project which is supported by 15 different ethanol and biofuels funding agencies, including the Renewable Fuels Association. The research is important because ethanol could substitute for the octane-enhancing additives in gasoline that may contribute to the risk of cancer.

In the next episode of The Ethanol Report podcast, we will take a deeper dive into The Hormel Institute research and its significance to the biofuels industry.