When you look around your home, you would notice that you have many items that you use every day. But did you know that some things you use in your home may increase your cancer risk? Yes, you heard that right.

Some household items could increase your chances of developing cancer and adversely affecting your health over time.

Before you start to panic, it is necessary to understand that not all household items can cause cancer. However, it is crucial to identify hazardous items so that you can take immediate measures to protect yourself and your family.

1. Cleaning Products

The cleaning products that you use to sanitize your home could be more harmful than you think.

Many cleaning products like air fresheners, bleach, and detergents contain harmful chemicals that could damage your skin, lungs, and even increase your risk of cancer. For instance, cleaners with bleach contain harmful fumes that could irritate your throat and lungs. People who are exposed to bleach products frequently have an increased risk of asthma and other respiratory diseases.

Another example of a cancer-causing chemical present in cleaning products is ethylene oxide. This chemical is found in disinfectants and fragrances and is known to increase the risk of cancer.

Therefore, it is crucial to check the labels of the cleaning agents that you use and choose the ones that are safe for regular use.

2. Non-stick Cookware and Pans

You most likely have heard of non-stick cookware and the convenience that it brings into the kitchen. These types of pans and cookware are coated with polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), which aids the cooking process.

However, PTFE can release harmful chemicals called Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) when exposed to high temperatures.

This chemical could predispose you to different types of cancers, including kidney, bladder, and liver cancer. Therefore, it would help if you were careful with the type of cookware and pans that you use in your home.

It would be best to stick to ceramic and glass cookware that is safe to use when subjected to high temperatures.

3. Air Fresheners

Your home could be smelling fresh and clean, but the air fresheners that you use contain harmful chemicals that will be inhaled into your body. The harmful chemicals found in the air fresheners could cause respiratory problems and allergic reactions.

Furthermore, they could increase your risk of cancers such as lung cancer over time.

You could make your DIY air fresheners using natural essential oils and fruits, which are equally effective and safe for use in your home. Therefore, you should make a feasible approach to eliminate air fresheners from your home entirely.

4. Plastic Bottles and Containers

Plastic is a ubiquitous material that has become a part of everyday life. From packaging to carry drinks and food, everyone uses plastic containers for the convenience they bring.

However, plastic bottles that contain Bisphenol A (BPA) have a high cancer risk. This chemical is found in most plastic containers like water bottles, storage containers, and baby bottles.

BPA could mimic estrogen, leading to hormonal imbalances. Therefore, you should consider switching to glass bottles and metal water bottles that are safer for regular use.

You could also shift to biodegradable materials like paper and degradable plastics to minimize your exposure to harmful chemicals.

5. Pesticides and Herbicides

Using pesticides and herbicides in your home to protect your garden and lawns may not be as safe as you think. These products contain hazardous chemicals that could increase the risk of cancer, respiratory, and other health issues.

Pesticides are known to cause lung and colon cancers.

Therefore, it is crucial to be mindful of the chemicals that you use in your garden and avoid using harmful chemicals like synthetic pesticides. Instead, you could opt for organic methods to eliminate pests and insects that would work just as well.

6. Talcum Powder

If you have been using talcum powder for a long time, you might want to reconsider it as it is known to increase the risk of ovarian cancer. Talcum powder is commonly used for hygiene purposes in many households.

However, talcum powder contains asbestos, a known carcinogen that could cause different types of cancers, including ovarian cancer.

Therefore, it would be best to avoid using talcum powders and switch to alternative products like cornstarch body powder which is safer for use in your home.

7. Candles

Candles are commonly used for aromatherapy, to create a relaxing ambiance at home, and impart a warm, pleasant glow into the room.

However, candles made from paraffin wax contain harmful chemicals like benzene and toluene that could increase the risk of cancer.

Therefore, it would be best to avoid using paraffin wax candles and switch to natural alternatives like beeswax or soy wax candles, which are safe and equally effective in scenting your home.

8. Artificial Sweeteners

Artificial sweeteners are used in many households due to their low-calorie content and ability to substitute sugar.

However, some artificial sweeteners like aspartame have been found to increase the risk of different types of cancers like bladder and brain cancer.

It would be best to minimize your use of artificial sweeteners by substituting them with natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup, which are safer for regular use in your home.

9. Flame Retardants

Flame retardants are chemicals added to different materials like furniture, clothing, electronics, and bedding to resist fire. However, these chemicals contain polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), which could increase the risk of cancer over time.

Therefore, when choosing materials like mattresses, bedding, and furniture, it is crucial to opt for products that do not contain flame retardants, to minimize your exposure to harmful chemicals.

10. Beauty Products

Many beauty products contain harmful chemicals and carcinogens that could increase the risk of cancer and other health problems. Some hair dyes, for instance, contain harmful chemicals like formaldehyde, which could cause leukemia and other cancers.

To avoid exposing yourself to hazardous chemicals, it is crucial to be cautious of the beauty products that you use, read the product labels, and choose products labeled “organic,” “natural,” or “chemical-free,” which would be safer for regular use.

Conclusion

The household items that you use could be contributing to your cancer risk.

However, identifying these hazardous items and taking precautionary measures to reduce your exposure to harmful chemicals is the first step to protecting your health and that of your family. It would help if you considered natural alternatives of some of these products, and also take note of the product labels and their ingredients before purchasing them.