Nowadays, we’re bombarded with the constant cancer warning; it seems like everything does, or can, lead to cancer. Many foods we consume and products we use contain carcinogens or substances and exposures that could be cancerous. Luckily, the American Cancer Society has published an up-to-date list of the known human carcinogens, developed by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) and the U.S. National Toxicology Program (NTP). By checking out this list, recognize (and avoid) the common home products that might put you at a higher risk.
Plastic bottles
Plastic bottles or food containers contain a carcinogen called bisphenol A, which might seep into your food or beverage and be digested by your body. According to the Mayo Clinic, bisphenol A has been linked to a number of adverse health effects, including the development of the brain, behavior and prostate glands in fetuses, infants and children.
Common air fresheners
Most household air fresheners contain formaldehyde, which is linked to cancers of the nose and throat.
Talcum powder
This product contains talc, a mineral substance that contains asbestos. It makes the list of known carcinogens and is a risk factor for ovarian cancer.
Common foundations
This is a scary one because some foundations contain a number of two known carcinogenic ingredients, BHA, and talc. It also contains other non-carcinogenic yet still toxic ingredients, like lanolin, which is often contaminated with carcinogenic pesticides, and fragrance, which uses a wide range of untested ingredients.
Certain toothpaste
Some toothpaste, like Crest Tartar Control, contain FD&C blue #1, a dye which makes the carcinogenic cut. It’s important to always check the ingredients of your toothpaste (and all of your products) for this toxic dye.
Hair coloring products
Many hair coloring products contain a number of known carcinogens, including quaternlum-15 and diethanolamine (DEA), as well as other toxic ingredients, like phenylene-diamines, propylene glycol and fragrance.
It’s easy to get swept up by the fear that everything is, somehow, linked to cancer. However, there’s little definitive knowledge on direct associations and a lot more research that still needs to be done. When it comes down to it, being aware of the known information can help you take possible preventative measures. You may find the list of known human carcinogens, and other useful information, on the American Cancer Society page: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/cancer-causes/general-info/known-and-probable-human-carcinogens.html
Sources:
https://www.cancer.org/cancer/cancer-causes/general-info/known-and-probable-human-carcinogens.html
https://www.zeptha.com/11-cancerous-products-that-you-may-be-using-now-at-home/3/
The Top 12 Cancer-Causing products in the Average Home
https://theheartysoul.com/cancer-causing-products-list/
https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/expert-answers/bpa/faq-20058331
