Even in your home, cancer can lurk: here are six household products that cause cancer and how to avoid the risk. Some common household products contain chemicals that can cause cancer and issues with reproductive organs if exposed to them too often.
Birth defects and various other health issues can also occur if exposed to these particular chemicals. Consider avoiding the following six categories in order to keep yourself and your family safe.
Candles
Almost half of the scented candles on the market have wiring in their wicks, and that wiring can contain lead. That lead helps the stability of the candle wick while causing behavior disorders and hormone issues for the people exposed to the candle burning.
Meanwhile, Paraffin wax generates two highly toxic compounds when burned – benzene and toluene. Those compounds are carcinogens.
Air Fresheners
Air fresheners typically contain compounds like phthalates, which interfere with male hormone production and contribute to various issues that cause chronic illness, infertility and brain damage. Some of the chemicals contained in air fresheners also impede cellular regeneration.
Essential oils, on the other hand, provide an appealing scent via diffuser and do not contain the potential carcinogens and host of health problems in the chemicals that create that lovely smell.
In addition, essential oils in moderate amounts can be applied topically to provide other benefits. This is something that can not be done with air fresheners.
Shampoo and Conditioner
The toxins in items like shampoo and conditioner are frightening. Did you know that sodium lauryl sulfate generates cancer-causing byproducts, and that is a compound that can even be included in organic shampoo? Polyethylene Glycol, or PEG, and cocamide DEA are usually included in shampoos and conditioners as well, and these additives are carcinogens as well.
Art Supplies
Glue, acrylic paint, solvents, epoxy and even drawing instruments can contain chemicals that lead to cancer or organ damage. At the least, they can be the reason your children are having increasing allergic reactions.
If the art supplies are sold in the US, they are required to carry a label when they have certain chemicals in the product. Still, there does not have to be an ingredient list letting you know exactly what is in the crayons or glue your child is using for their craft project.
Shower Curtains
A new shower curtain can give off as many as 108 VOCs, or Volatile Organic Compounds. Instead of opting for a curtain that has that somewhat appealing new smell, reach for a non-toxic and PVC-free option. Both are equally effective at keeping the water in the shower during the cleansing ritual.
However, the non-toxic variety is not giving off these VOCs every time you shower and exposing you to potential health issues galore.
Deoderant
Antiperspirants and deodorants can contain parabens and aluminum chlorhydrate, both of which can be absorbed through the skin and cause issues like breast cancer or Alzheimer’s Disease. They can result in nausea and other digestive system issues and can help cancer cells grow more rapidly.