Gwyneth Paltrow angers experts with 'loopy' cancer/autism claims

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Gwyneth Paltrow angers experts with 'loopy' cancer claims

Gwynth Paltrow has angered cancer specialists, by claiming that shampoo could be

linked to the disease.

Writing for her Goop website, the actress described being 'seized with fear,' by

threats of 'environmental toxins.'

She described, 'Foetuses, infants and toddlers are basically unable to

metabolise toxins the way that adults are and we are constantly filling our

environments with chemicals that may or may not be safe'

'The research is troubling; the incidence of diseases in children such as

asthma, cancer and autism have shot up exponentially and many children we all

know and love have been diagnosed with developmental issues like ADHD (Attention

Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder),' Paltrow continued.

The piece went on to quote a US paediatrician, who added that children are at

risk from chemicals found in shampoo, cleaning products, paint, carpets, toys

and furnishings.

Now experts have branded Paltrow's claims as 'nonsense' and have accused her of

scaremongering.

Hugh Pennington, professor of bacteriology at Aberdeen University commented, 'It

does annoy me when celebrities use their position to spout nonsense. They have a

perfect right to their views, even if they are loopy, but they do hold a

position of influence.

Cancer Research UK has also dismissed Paltrow's claims, confirming there is no

evidence to back them: 'It's a load of nonsense. Shampoo is perfectly safe,

unless you drink it in large quantities.'

Monday 6 April 2009