Media release

From: Griffith University

Cancer-causing properties found in steroids

Lead and arsenic, which are known for their cancer-causing properties, have been found in an analysis of 15 anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) with some levels well above safe exposure thresholds.

Dr Tim Piatkowski from Griffith University’s School of Applied Psychology tested 28 AAS to investigate if the chemical composition of AAS sold in Australia, by testing for active ingredients, contaminants, cutting agents, residues or heavy metals.

“Unregulated anabolic–androgenic steroid markets are a global phenomenon with significant variability in product composition and purity,” Dr Piatkowski said.

“Alarmingly, heavy metals were found in all product types, especially in oral AAS, raising concerns about the long-term health impacts including organ damage and cancer.

“Twelve heavy metals were quantifiable in both injectable and oral formulations, while seven metals were detected in raw powders.

“The variability and contamination of AAS products pose significant health risks prompting the need to implement a comprehensive surveillance and testing system.

“This approach would track trends, identify contaminants, and provide consumers with real-time, accurate information to support informed decision-making and harm reduction.”

AAS, commonly used for enhancing appearance, performance and wellbeing, are often obtained from unregulated sources, leading to substantial variability in product composition.

While the active ingredients may align with labelled content, the possibility of adulteration, substitution and contamination with harmful substances remains a pressing concern.

With the increasing prevalence of AAS use globally, estimated to have grown from 1.6 per cent to 4 per cent in the last 10 years among women, there is a critical need to better understand the quality and safety of these substances.

Dr Piatkowski said the gap in knowledge surrounding the full spectrum of substances found in unregulated AAS products presented an urgent challenge for harm reduction strategies, with the only documented trial in the world providing evidence for presence and purity, but not other contaminants.

“Without such information, consumers remain vulnerable to adverse health effects, some of which may be long-term and irreversible,” he said.

“To address the evolving challenges in AAS manufacturing, establishing a robust surveillance and testing system would ensure the latest trends in illicit AAS products are continuously monitored, enabling real-time updates on potential contaminants and hazards.

Such a system could support informed decision-making and strengthen harm reduction efforts.”

The paper ‘Lead astray? The hidden contaminants in Australian anabolic-androgenic steroid market and their potential health impact’ has been published in Drug and Alcohol Review.