Our top list of chemicals that cause cancer (or have the potential to), so you know what to avoid:
Chemicals are all around us! They’re in our food and drink, our cosmetics and beauty products, our cleaning supplies, and even in the air we breathe. There is no way to completely avoid exposure to chemicals. All we can do is try to reduce or limit the types of chemicals we’re exposed to. Here are a few of the chemicals that cause cancer in your home, chemicals you’d do well to avoid/limit:
- Talcum powder – What? How could talcum powder cause cancer? It’s all thanks to the primary ingredient: talc.Talc is a known lung irritant, but it’s also believed to contribute to both lung and ovarian cancer. Every time you breathe in that cloud of powdery dust, you’re increasing your risk, making it top of our Chemicals That Cause Cancer list. Can’t believe it’s true? You need to read this.
- Toothpaste – We’ve all used Crest’s Tartar Control Toothpaste, but you’d be amazed by how many carcinogens are in the toothpaste! You have FD&C Blue #1, fluoride, and saccharin, all of which are officially carcinogenic. Definitely a better idea to stick with the simpler white toothpaste!
- Hair dye – You’d be amazed by how many chemicals are found in hair dyes! For example, internet reports suggest that in Clairol’s Nice n’ Easy Permanent Haircolor there are at least three carcinogens and two additional ingredients that can cause contact dermatitis. Of course, these products are usually labeled as “safe”, but they may be less safe than you’d think—especially with frequent use.
- Shampoo – Yes, some of your shampoos can contain carcinogens and toxins. Take Alberto VO5, one of the most common brands of value shampoo. It contains formaldehyde, carcinogenic coloring, and fragrances that can irritate your skin. It’s best to use shampoos that you know are safe, but you’d be surprised to find just how many are unsafe thanks to their potentially toxic chemical ingredients.
READ MORE: 8 Chemicals in Cosmetics to Know About
- Ajax – There’s nothing more effective at cleaning toilets, but is it safe for human use? Ajax contains crystalline silica, a known carcinogen that can also irritate your eyes, lungs, and skin. Though the manufacturer claims to have reduced the silica content of the Ajax, there’s still a risk of health problems.
- Lysol – Lysol is one of the best solutions for dealing with nasty smells. Or is it? Aerosols are always packed with known carcinogens, and Lysol is no different. It contains a chemical called OPP, which is both a known carcinogen and highly irritating to your skin and lungs. It’s almost better to live with the smells than risk your health with Lysol!
- Weed B Gon – It’s understandable that a weed killer needs to have strong chemicals to kill off the weeds. However, this particular brand contains Sodium 2,4-D, a carcinogen that has been linked to cancers and neurotoxicity. Pretty scary, when you realize you could be killing yourself as well as the weeds.
- Dog and Cat Collars – How can you deal with your pet’s fleas? A flea collar should do the trick, right? A flea collar may be a good idea for your pet, but for you not so much. Zodiac brand flea collars contain propoxur, a known carcinogen that can also be neurotoxic. Definitely something to be careful with!
- Hot dogs – What? Carcinogens in your food too? Hot dogs, particularly the Oscar Mayer Beef Franks contain quite the laundry list of chemicals, including known carcinogens like dacthal and DDT. Why else do you think experts insist you avoid processed food as much as possible?
Avoid these chemicals that cause cancer in your home and avoid a lot of the health problems threatening the modern person!
