Top 5 Cancer Causing Chemicals to Avoid
In almost every everyday product you can imagine, you will find cancer-causing chemicals: candy, toys, clothes, hair dyes, pet food, and more. Reducing your exposure to such items is very important.
It is the federal government's responsibility to protect us from toxic chemicals by regulating or banning them. Cancer affects all communities, some disproportionately more than others. Nevertheless, that oversight continues to fall short, so for now, we must study ingredient labels and select healthier products.
1. Consumer products contain toxic "forever chemicals"
In the environment, PFAS are known as forever chemicals because they don't break down over time. They contaminate everything from drinking water to food, food packaging, personal care products, even pet food.
Here are some things you can do:
If you're concerned about PFAS, avoid anything stain-, wrinkle-, or water-resistant until more comprehensive regulations are in place, like nonstick pans, stain-resistant upholstery, spill-proof toys for children, rainproof outerwear, and waterproof makeup.
2. Tap Water Contaminants
Drinking water quality varies widely across the U.S., and yours may contain one or more chemicals linked to cancer.
Nitrate, a fertilizer chemical from agricultural and urban runoff, along with arsenic, a naturally occurring element in the earth that can also come from mining and burning of fossil fuels, may contaminate groundwater. PFAS, used in many consumer products, has been found to contaminate drinking water for millions in the U.S. Additionally, industrial solvents and radiation from natural deposits that are often found in higher concentrations due to mining and processing certain elements like uranium, can also end up in nearby drinking water supplies. As an individual, you can take action to address these issues.
Although bottled water is sometimes used to replace tap drinking water in contaminated communities, it doesn't offer a long-term solution. Buying a home water filter is the most economical and reliable option for improving water quality at home.
In the 44 million Americans who rely on private well water, or one in seven, you are mostly responsible for the quality of your tap water. If it's contaminated, get it tested annually and under certain circumstances. Water treatment options available at individual faucets or spigots are recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
3. Artificial Food Coloring
Two in five food products contain artificial coloring chemicals that could possibly harm your health, according to research. Red 3, a commonly used food dye, has been linked to cancer and is not allowed in personal care products. Thousands of foods marketed to kids, including popcorn, hot chocolate mix, candy, snack mix, strawberries, and cherry flavors, contain artificial food colors like Red 3.
It's found in popular candy, coffee creamer, sauces, dressings and coffee creamer. Titanium dioxide is a chemical that makes food a brighter white. It may also increase the risk of cancer.
While artificial colorants are more widely available, they are usually less nutritious, so avoiding them – or eating less of them – is a good place to start. Watch out for ingredients with names like Red 3 and Blue 1 on labels. These chemicals are also sometimes referred to as “Lakes,” such as Lake Allura Red.
4. Pesticides
According to research published by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health scientists, lowering exposure to pesticides from produce also lowers mortality risk from cardiovascular disease, cancer and respiratory diseases.
It is essential to eat fruits and vegetables in order to reduce your risk of cancer, but nearly three quarters of produce sold in the U.S. is contaminated with pesticide residues, according to the EWG Shopper's Guide to Pesticides in ProduceTM. Other foods, such as oats, rice, wheat, and beans, do not contain pesticides.
5. Hair Relaxants & Coloring
In particular, hair colorants and relaxers are linked to cancer, according to many studies. According to the National Toxicology Program, some ingredients used in hair dyes have been or are still considered "reasonably anticipated to be human carcinogens."
Research indicates workplace exposure to hair dye likely causes cancer in humans. Other studies have found an association between hair dye and smoothing treatments and breast cancer. In addition, long-term and early use of hair straighteners, as well as combining permanent dyes with relaxers, are associated with breast tumor features that indicate a higher risk of developing breast cancer.
