ReadersAisle.com | Reliable Information Simplified

A Guide to Knowing Household Items That Have a Cancer Risk

With a significant rise in cancer cases globally, it helps to take essential preventive measures. Many individuals might be unaware of this fact, but harmful chemicals can be present in common household products, such as cleaning products, makeup products, and so on. Knowing which ones can help you make conscious choices and select safer alternatives to carcinogenic items. Thus, here’s what you need to know to make your home environment healthier and safer for everyone.

Know what are carcinogens

A carcinogen can be a substance, an organism, or even a chemical agent that has the potential to cause cancer. These can be naturally occurring, such as the sun’s ultraviolet light and some types of viruses. Also, carcinogens are mostly human-generated, such as exhaust fumes, chemicals, and radiation. Some of these carcinogenic substances are often present in your everyday household items like air fresheners, cleaning agents, pesticides, and cosmetics too.

Long-term exposure to these carcinogens can increase the risk of cancer. This happens because the carcinogenic substances may interact with the DNA of cells in your body. They damage the DNA through mutations and cause disruption in the normal growth of the cells, leading to the formation of cancerous cells and tumors.

As a precautionary measure, it helps to be aware of potential carcinogens that may be present in everyday household items. This way you can identify and avoid them to lower the risk of cancer.

Common household items that may cause cancer risks

Cleaning products
Cleaning products are one of the most common household items that may cause cancer. These can be the floor cleaner, toilet cleaners, window cleaning agents, carpet cleaners, dishwashing liquids, etc. Most of these cleaning agents contain chemicals that are potential carcinogens, such as formaldehyde, phthalates, and bleach. Long-term exposure to the fumes or the residual remains from the surfaces cleaned by these products can increase the risk of cancer.

Personal care products
Several common skincare, haircare, and cosmetic products, such as shampoos, masks, conditioners, mascaras, and eyeliners, can contain potential carcinogens, which can be harmful to overall health. Also, most of these products often contain chemicals such as parabens, oxybenzone, and sulfates. All of these have been linked with the risk of cancer. For instance, paraben is a preservative known to mimic estrogen’s function in the body, increasing the risk of breast cancer.

Cooking utensils and containers
Over the last few years, there has been growing concern about the potential cancer risk of cooking utensils and containers such as non-stick pans and plastic storage containers. These items contain chemicals such as perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and bisphenols. PFOA is used in the making of several non-stick cookware. If its accumulation in the body reaches a high level, it can be a cancer risk. Similarly, bisphenols found in plastic containers can increase the risk of hormonal imbalances and certain types of cancer.

Household furniture and furnishings
If you have old furniture or furnishings at home, it’s time to dispose of them. Sofas, loveseats, recliners, mattresses, and crib beds that were manufactured before 2013 were often treated with TDCIPP. This is a flame-retardant chemical that prevents burning. It slows down the spread of fire. While it is beneficial in protecting against rare and occasional fires, prolonged exposure to TDCIPP can increase the risk of cancer. This is because the chemical is known to be carcinogenic.

Air fresheners
Using air fresheners regularly may increase your risk of cancer. This is because this common household item contains harmful chemicals called volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These include formaldehyde, benzene, and phthalates. All of these have been linked to cancer risk. When these chemicals are released into the air, and you inhale them, they can cause damage to your respiratory system and make you susceptible to cancer. These chemicals can be especially harmful if the air fresheners are used in closed or poorly ventilated spaces.

Scented candles
If you like using scented candles around your house, make sure you read the label before buying them. You need to check what primary ingredients are used to make those candles. While organic fragrance-free candles have minimal health risks, the scented candles that have been mass-produced can pose a cancer risk. This is because these candles usually contain volatile organic compounds, much like those in air fresheners. Moreover, most of these candles are made from paraffin wax that, on burning, releases compounds such as toluene and benzene, which are associated with increased cancer risk.

Asbestos roofing and insulation
Asbestos occurs naturally in nature. Due to its anti-corrosive and anti-heat properties, it has been widely used in industries as well as for household purposes. For instance, it is used in insulation, wallboards, and automotive brakes. Also, it is used to fireproof certain materials. Although it is quite useful, asbestos has been linked to several health disorders. Primary among these is the high risk of cancer.

PVC shower curtains
There has been research that indicates the association of polyvinyl chloride, or PVC, with cancer risk. The risk arises from the reaction of PVC with heat and cleaning agents. This reaction releases fumes and substances that are toxic in nature. So if you have installed PVC shower curtains in your bathrooms and you tend to use hot water for showers, it’s time you start looking for safer alternatives, such as shower curtains made from nylon.

Tips for safer choices in household products
While it is not possible to completely eliminate the risk of cancer, there are certain actions you can take to ensure your household is free of most cancer risks. Here are a few tips to get you started.

Always read the product labels and do your own research to understand and identify the ingredients that can be potential carcinogens.
Look for safer and alternative products and brands that offer chemical-free and organic options.
Whenever possible, use natural cleaning and personal care products.
Replace your non-stick and plastic cookware and containers with those made from glass, stainless steel, or cast iron.
Choose furniture and furnishing with safer certifications like GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard).

Popular Reads

Top 6 foods that may reduce dementia risk

Many individuals mistakenly believe that dementia is a disease, but it’s a term used to describe symptoms related to memory, social abilities, and thinking. These symptoms can be challenging to manage and can impact daily activities. However, healthcare professionals often recommend implementing a healthy meal plan as a way to improve management. If you’re interested in learning about how your food intake can reduce the risk of developing dementia, read on. What is dementia? As previously mentioned, dementia is not a specific disease. Instead, health conditions like Alzheimer’s disease are among its most frequent causes in older adults. Other known causes of dementia include damage to the blood vessels that supply nutrients to the brain, the formation of balloon-like proteins in the brain, and the breakdown of connections and nerve cells in the brain. While memory loss is one of its most recognizable signs, this symptom alone does not mean one has dementia. Most symptoms of this group of health issues can vary depending on the cause. Hence, here are some of the most common signs to look out for. Memory loss Difficulties while communicating Reasoning and problem-solving issues Poor control of movements and coordination Disorientation Confusion What are the foods that can help reduce the risk of dementia? Typically, dementia and Alzheimer’s are known to be caused by a combination of several factors, such as environmental, lifestyle, and genetic. Furthermore, developing issues such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease can contribute to cognitive decline in patients. Therefore, healthcare professionals suggest the consumption of nutrient-rich foods to reduce dementia risk as one grows older. Some of the foods that can be added to one’s meal plan are: Avocados Avocados are one of the most commonly known superfoods, which can provide the brain with the needed energy without a spike in blood sugar levels.

Avoid these 15 common shower mistakes

There is nothing a warm shower cannot resolve. Showering after a long day can be a stress reliever and enhance one’s mood instantly. It also has several other health benefits besides cleansing the body, including facilitating cold relief, boosting immunity, and relieving muscle pain. However, not bathing the right way can give rise to skin conditions such as rashes and eczema. Here are some common mistakes one should avoid while bathing and showering: Not moisturizing after a shower Wiping after a bath can reduce the body’s moisture, causing dry skin, which can lead to rashes and itching. Dermatologists recommend applying body lotion and moisturizer immediately after a shower to retain skin texture and prevent dryness. One should look for hypoallergenic moisturizers that do not have any added fragrances. Bathing in scorching hot water Scorching hot water can damage keratin cells in the skin’s outer layer. Consequently, the skin becomes dry and dehydrated. It is important to balance the water temperature before stepping into the shower. Ideally, the temperature of the water should be lukewarm. Using the wrong towel An absorbent towel that does not feel rough is ideal for wiping oneself after a shower. The most effective way to select the right towel is to check its density, measured in grams per square meter (GSM). Towels with GSMs between 400 and 550 are considered ideal for use after bathing. One should avoid towels below a GSM of 400, as these towels can be thin and rough, causing skin dryness. Moreover, towels made of superior-quality Egyptian or Turkish cotton are extremely soft and perfect for the skin. Soaping the arms and legs excessively While it is important to wash and clean one’s arms and legs, these areas typically do not collect much oil and dust. Hence, scrubbing them excessively can dry out these areas and hamper their natural texture.

15 signs of a weak immune system

The immune system is a complex network of organs, cells, and proteins that act as the body’s defense mechanism against diseases and infections. The system —the innate immune system that people are born with and the adaptive immune system, which develops due to exposure to toxins and microbes. Both parts work together to keep infection-causing germs and toxins. So, weak immunity can make the body susceptible to diseases and other health issues. High stress levels The American Psychological Association suggests that chronic stress weakens the immune system. This is because stress lowers the number of white blood cells (i.e., lymphocytes) in the body that fight infections, increasing the risk of infections such as the common cold. Persistent cold Most adults develop two to three colds per year, which usually last from 7 to 10 days. During this period, the immune system forms antibodies to fight the virus. However, if one keeps catching a cold or is dealing with common cold symptoms for a long time, it could be a sign of weak immunity. Slow-healing wounds When one develops a cut or a wound, the body immediately goes into damage control mode to stop any bleeding and regenerate skin. Immune cells in the body guide this process. However, when dealing with a weakened immune system, wounds take longer to heal. This can make one more susceptible to infections as well. Frequent infections Those with a lowered immunity are at a higher risk of contracting infections such as pneumonia, meningitis, bronchitis, and skin infections. They are also more likely to experience autoimmune disorders, organ inflammation, blood disorders such as anemia, and growth and developmental delays. According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, some signs of weak immunity include: – Having more than four ear infections in a year – Developing pneumonia twice within a year – Dealing with chronic sinusitis or more than three episodes of bacterial sinusitis in a year Fatigue If one constantly feels tired despite getting enough sleep, it may be a sign of weak immunity.