Cancer refers to any one of a large number of diseases characterized by the development of abnormal cells that divide uncontrollably and can infiltrate and destroy normal body tissue. Cancer often can spread throughout your body.
Cancer is the second-leading cause of death in the world. But survival rates are improving for many types of cancer, thanks to improvements in cancer screening, treatment and prevention.
Cancer is one of the most common causes of death among Thai people, especially lung cancer and forms of cancers associated with the respiratory system. However, who would think that the “home” – a place considered to be completely safe – could turn into a “source” of cancer-causing substances? Let’s take a look at how the things we keep in our homes can become the causes of cancer
1. Cleaning Products:
Formaldehyde is a known carcinogen found at home in food, cosmetics, a variety of cleaning products (such as dishwashing liquids, fabric softeners, and carpet cleaners), paint, foam insulation, and permanent press fabrics. In addition, you can be exposed by breathing smoke from gas cookers and open fireplaces.
Prolonged exposure to these chemicals through inhalation or skin contact may increase the risk of certain cancers, including lung and breast cancer.
2. Plastic Containers:
When you drink liquid or eat food from containers made out of plastic, the chemicals in that plastic leach into whatever you are putting in your mouth and eventually get digested in your body along with it. Among these chemicals are Bisphenol A, which is used to harden plastic in products such as water bottles.
Auramine production: Auramine can be used as an antiseptic agent as well as to make dyes. A study found there to be an excess of bladder tumours among men engaged in the manufacture of auramine, through inhaling harmful agents, such as formaldehyde and sulphur, during the manufacturing process.
3. Air fresheners
The air freshener in your bedroom or restroom is yet another culprit in employing carcinogenic ingredients made with artificial fragrance. Though the word perfume is a cocktail of hazardous chemicals, manufacturers conceal the true identity of these chemicals as part of their trade trick.
Natural disinfectants like tea tree and vital pine oils are an alternative air freshener.
4. Non-Stick Cookware: Teflon-coated cookware releases perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) when heated, which has been associated with various cancers, including kidney, bladder, and pancreatic cancer. Overheating non-stick pans can accelerate the release of these harmful compounds.
5. Processed Meats:
Grilled Meats
Smoky meats from the grill may be tender and tasty, but they probably also increase your risk of cancer. That’s because the muscle meats contain compounds called Heterocyclic amines (HCAs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs).
According to the National Cancer Institute, when meats like beef, poultry, or fish are cooked over a hot open flame or pan fried at high temperatures, the fat and juices they release into the fire spark flames with the dangerous chemicals inside that then cook into the meat we eat.
While it’s essential to be aware of potential cancer risks in everyday household items, it’s also important to remember that moderation and proper usage can mitigate these risks. Choosing natural cleaning products, reducing plastic usage, improving ventilation, opting for safer cookware alternatives, and moderating processed meat intake can help minimize exposure to potential carcinogens and promote a healthier living environment.
