As our air turns toxic and exposure to chemicals increases with each passing year, it is important to safeguard health from environmental factors that could increase the risk of deadly diseases like cancer. Seemingly harmless, certain items like plastic bottles, insecticides, carpets or mattresses may expose people to carcinogens or toxic substances. It is important to store your food right, cook mindfully, and get rid of items that could potentially cause cancer.
Here's a list.
1. PaintThe fumes of paint may expose you to toxic substances or carcinogens like benzene, toluene, and ethylbenzene apart from other heavy metals that can pose significant health risk including cancer. These substances can also cause respiratory trouble, allergic reactions and skin irritation.
2. Plastic containers or bottles
If you store your food in plastic containers or drink from plastic bottles, you may be at risk of exposure to microplastics or harmful chemicals. Breastcancer.org says all plastics may leach chemicals if they're scratched or heated and exposure substances like bisphenol A (BPA), may increase cancer risk. Cancerous microplastics can enter the body when you eat the food kept in it, inhalation, or skin exposure.
3. Non-stick cookware
While Teflon or non-stick cookware are considered safe to cook, over-heating the pans or woks or using them when the coating comes off can release toxic fumes which could potentially cause cancer. However, in recent years, Teflon cookware has been considered safe and PFOA-free, which makes them safe for cooking. As per, American Cancer Society there are no proven risks to humans from new PFOA-free nonstick. If you bought a Teflon cookware before 2013, and still using it, time to discard it, as it could be harmful for your health.
4. Candles
Using scented candles can potentially increase risk of cancer as it releases particulate matter and certain volatile organic compounds into the air. Some people may develop allergies or headache while burning such candles.
5. AlcoholExcessive daily alcohol consumption can put you at risk of developing various kinds of cancer. The National Health and Medical Research Council suggests limiting intake to 10 standard drinks per week and no more than 4 standard drinks per day.
6. Processed meatRelishing your favourite bacon frequently without adding fibre to your diet could potentially cause cancer. According to Cancer Council NSW, processed meat consumption could lead to bowel and stomach cancer. Beef, lamb, and pork, have been classified as a Group 2A carcinogen.
7. ContraceptivesWhile oral contraceptives can reduce ovarian cancer risk by up to 80%, it may increase risk of cervical cancer in women who have used them for five years or more. A Lancet study finds out that a 10% increased risk may be experienced for less than 5 years of use, while the risk increases to 60% with 5–9 years of use. The risk could be doubled with 10 or more years of use.
8. Insecticides
Insecticides could raise your cancer risk and specifically in children. As per Pesticide Action Network, several studies show that pesticide exposure during pregnancy and childhood may raise cancer risk in children. According to a study published in CFP MFC, there is a strong association between pesticide exposure and solid tumours.
9. Carpets Young children may spend a lot of time playing indoors on carpets, and this could pose cancer risk to them. California Department of Toxic Substances Control says carpets and rugs are the largest potential sources of significant and widespread PFAS exposures, especially for children. PFAS exposure could potentially raise cancer risk.
10. Mattresses
According to the Environmental Working Group, the polyurethane foam in many mattresses may have potentially harmful volatile organic compounds and exposure to them may cause a range of health issues from respiratory problems to increased cancer risk in the long run.
