The American Cancer Society says cancer occurs when there are changes in the cell’s genetic blueprint. Some cancers are hereditary while others are caused by environmental factors. Environmental factors are a wide range of things from physical activity, nutrition, and tobacco use. Others like pollution, household, and workplace exposure are also the culprits with new cases of cancer. Take a look at a list of products you are innocently using in your home and may be putting you and your family in danger.Crystalline silica can cause skin and eye irritation. It is deemed dangerous when breathed in or consumed.
Jane Plant, professor of geochemistry at Imperial College London, says to give up milk and dairy products for that matter to avoid cancer. “We have all been brought up with the idea that milk is good for you,” Plant explains. “But there is evidence now that the growth factors and hormones it contains are not just risky for breast cancer, but also other hormone-related cancers, of the prostate, testicles and ovary.”
This ingredient had been identified as a carcinogen the previous year in California. Also known as cocamide DEA, this product is added to shampoos to give the foamy effect when rubbed into wet hair.
The collar leaves chemicals on the animals’ fur. Two of the chemicals found i the product not only pose a risk to pets but also to children. The collar is designed to be flea-control but the Natural Resources Defense Council has asked for the product to be removed.
For the most part, it is argued that purified talc powders used at home does not have the same risks. Nonetheless, the American Cancer Society reveals studies on lab animals exposed to asbestos-free talc have provided mixed results of some rats and mice not having any symptoms while others show tumour formations.
The tumours were initially non-cancerous but developed into cancer afterwards. The additive Titanium dioxide (E171) can be found in toothpastes, gum, and candy.
BHA (butylated hydroxyanisole) and BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene) are the most commonly used preservatives in make-up such as lipsticks and foundations. The European Commission has listed these parabens as interfering with hormone function. Lab rats and mice exposed to these preservatives show it works as a tumour promoter.
Processed meat goes through a process of curing, salting, smoking, fermentation, or other process to preserve and enhance flavour. Scientists found products such as beef jerky, canned meat, sausages, cold cuts, and bacon, have a link to colorectal, stomach, pancreatic, and prostate cancer. Nitrite – which leads to the creation of nitrosamines after interaction with meat amines and can result in cancer in kids.
The preservative is found in products used a germicide, household disinfectant, and fungicide. Breathing the product can cause coughing and breathing which can lead to long term, chronic effects.
In 2015, WHO listed this organic compound as carcinogen.
According to the American Cancer Society the concern lies mostly on hairdressers exposed to chemicals like propylene glycol, phenylenadiamine, and quartenium. Bladder, leukemia, lymphoma, and breast cancer are most commonly found among hairdressers and barbers who are routinely exposed.
The product contains the ingredient despite not listing it on its label.
The UK’s Public Health England’s Centre for Radiation, Chemical, and Environmental Hazards warned that air fresheners contain, “considerable” levels of formaldehyde, a carcinogen. This type of chemical is linked to nose and throat cancer as well as asthma. that can mask other odors by numbing our sensory receptors.
The study published in the American Journal of Public Health states that as little as a drink or two increases the risk of breast, esophagus, colon, and rectum cancers.
Cervix and liver cancer are also a risk when taking the pill. Nonetheless, studies also suggest that taking the contraceptive decreases the risk of ovarian and endometrial cancer.
Hazardous chemicals like benzene and toluene emit when candles are lit. According to Anne Steinemann, an environmental pollutants expert and professor of civil engineering and the chair of sustainable cities at the University of Melbourne, said breathing these chemicals can cause damage to the lungs, brain, and central nervous system.
The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), the cancer agency operating under WHO, found that drinking a hot tea, coffee or hot chocolate at temperatures over 149 degrees Fahrenheit, increases the risk of esophageal cancer.
Slightly burnt or blackened meat, fish, or chicken, produces heterocyclic amines, a carcinogen which increase the risk of pancreatic, colon, and stomach cancer. Scientists recommend broiling your meat instead.
The coating in the popcorn bag releases perfluorooctanoic acid while heating which is linked to prostate and liver cancer. Better cook your popcorn the old fashion way.
Popular sunscreens have been found to have parebens, oxybenzone, and retinyl which is absorbed into the skin when applied which in turn increases the risks of cancer. Some argue whether or not these product can even protect against skin cancer to begin with. The best option is to choose micronized zinc oxide sunscreen.
