Carcinogens are silent killers that lurk in the most unexpected places, making it practically impossible to avoid them. They may be everywhere around you, from air to water, food, medicines, personal care products, and household cleaning supplies.
Did you know that 120 agents have been classified as carcinogenic to humans? Another report suggests that over 500 substances may be definitive, probable, or possible carcinogens. The worst part is that you may not know many of these culprits because they may appear absolutely harmless.
Of course, you can eat organic, avoid cigarettes, and steer clear of the known carcinogens to limit your risks. What about the hidden ones? Fortunately, being aware and taking a few proactive measures can help you minimize everyday carcinogenic exposures.
Here is a checklist of tips to build your defenses against these cancer-causing substances.
Avoid Household Chemicals
According to WHO statistics, household air pollution caused an estimated 3.2 million deaths in 2020. Contaminants lurk in the form of dust, particulate matter, and chemicals in paints, cleaners, cosmetics, and pesticides.
A recent survey shows that 75% of American homes used at least one pesticide indoors. The numbers are similar for chemical cleaners, personal care products, and more.
Besides polluted air, contaminated water is also a concern for American homeowners. The U.S. drinking water systems are contaminated with more than 320 toxic substances, as per recent research. Many of these toxic chemicals can be carcinogenic, contributing to the risk of cancer for you and your loved ones.
Do your bit to avoid these household chemicals by ensuring clean indoor air and unpolluted water supplies. Switching to organic cleaners, household products, and personal care items is another tangible measure.
Limit Exposure to Workplace Toxins
Environmental toxins are everywhere, and your workplace is no exception. The risk of carcinogen exposure runs higher in some industries, such as manufacturing, construction, and chemical laboratories. Firefighting is another profession where carcinogenic exposure is an integral part of the job.
As a firefighter, you may get exposed to toxic smoke and fuel every time you are on a rescue mission. Even the firefighting foam you use to extinguish the fire can expose you to life-threatening, “forever” chemicals. The high rate of AFFF lawsuit cases in the industry resonates with the high risk of cancer firefighters are prone to.
TruLaw recommends seeking justice and compensation for firefighters battling with cancer due to prolonged exposure to PFAS in firefighting foam. Research shows that these chemicals stay in the system and contribute significantly to the prevalence of cancer in people bearing long-term exposure.
Adopt Safe Sun Practices
Cancer-causing agents aren’t only in the air, water, food, and products you use. Even excessive exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays can cause skin cancer. You may also fall prey to the disease due to exposure to artificial sources like tanning beds. Surprisingly, indoor tanning leads to more than 400,000 cases of skin cancer in the U.S. annually.
Adopting sun-safe practices can be your best defense against skin cancer. Wear protective clothing, cover your head with a wide-brimmed hat, and protect your eyes with sunglasses when going outdoors. Avoid outdoor activities during peak sun hours. Also, use a high SPF and broad-spectrum sunscreen every time you step out, even on cloudy days. Give up the temptation to achieve tanning with indoor treatments.
Watch What You Eat
Eating organically grown food is the best way to keep carcinogens off your plate. If you aren’t a vegetarian, consider skipping meat from unreliable sources. Avoiding processed meats is also a good way to minimize carcinogen exposure through food. Research links red meat and processed meat with an increased incidence of cancers of the colon and rectum.
Besides avoiding processed meats, you should also be picky about your cooking techniques. Grilling or charring meat at high temperatures can produce carcinogenic chemicals, so opt for slow-cooking with baking and sauteing. Another tip is to avoid high-sugar foods and drinks. Alcohol consumption can increase the risk of breast, liver, colorectal, and esophageal cancers. Practicing abstinence and moderation is the best way to lower your risk.
The Bottom Line
Cancer may be genetic or lifestyle-induced, but the latest research shows that the latter has a bigger role. Only up to 10% of all cancers may be attributed to inherited genetic changes. It means carcinogen exposure has a far bigger role to play.
Knowing the potential culprits can help you avoid them and lower your risk. Think beyond the toxins you know and pay attention to the lesser-known ones to fortify your defenses against this fatal disease.
