Cancer is one of the deadliest diseases in the world and you would definitely want to stay healthy and cancer-free for the rest of your life. For this reason, it is advisable to stay away from things that are carcinogenic. But in today’s world where harsh chemicals are used to produce so many of the items we use on a regular basis, it is almost impossible to do so. Anything you touch or eat seem to induce cancer nowadays. The World Health Organization even announced that bacon, ham, and sausages, foods that you eat quite often, are carcinogenic. So here’s a list of common carcinogenic things that you should be careful of.
1. Alcoholic Beverages
Alcoholic beverages are known to cause problems like osteoporosis, liver disease, gastrointestinal problems, ulcers, vitamin deficiencies, and pancreatitis. But consuming them on a regular basis can also cause colorectal, larynx, liver, breast, esophagus, oral cavity, pharynx, and pancreatic cancers. If you are a heavy drinker, you should limit your consumption of alcohol if you want to decrease your risk of cancer.
2. Tobacco Products
It’s no surprise that tobacco products, that give off smoke or are smokeless, cause cancers that are specifically linked to cancers of the larynx and mouth. Such products do not offer any health benefits and if you are hooked on them, there are a few safer alternatives to help you get over them, like chewing gum, having dark chocolate, or chewing on flavored toothpicks. You can even incorporate yoga or exercise into your daily routine to get your mind off tobacco.
3. Solar Radiation
The ultraviolet rays of the sun damage the DNA of your skin, which leads to skin cancer. You need to be careful not to spend too much time out in the sun and to always apply sunscreen whenever you step out into the sun regardless of the weather. On the same note, avoid getting tanned using sunlamps and sunbeds as they can overexpose you to ultraviolet radiation.
4. Emissions From Household Combustion Of Coal
If you live in a cold place and want to heat up your home using the old-fashioned method of burning coal, you need to think twice. Coal is one of the well-known carcinogens that can be found inside a home. Your risk of cancer increases if you inhale coal dust produced from coal-burning fires.
5. Untreated And Mildly Treated Mineral Oils
Mineral oil is obtained as a by-product of the distillation of petroleum to produce gasoline. It is mostly found in creams, ointments, cosmetics, and lotions. It is not considered carcinogenic if it is highly refined, but untreated or mildly treated mineral oils are considered group-1 carcinogens, things that have a high possibility of causing cancer, by the World Health Organization. You need to be careful about the products you use and should not buy them if you are unsure of their brand.
6. Furniture Making
In the process of making furniture, a lot of wood has to be sawed to obtain the perfect shape. The process of sawing wood releases a lot of wood dust that is known to increase the risk of nasal cancer. If you are into furniture making, always cover your mouth and nose to avoid inhaling the wood dust.
7. Paint
If you are a painter or are planning to get your house painted, always be careful about inhaling the fumes that are given off by the paint. Paint contains benzene, lead chromate, asbestos, and other chemicals that can cause bladder cancer, leukemia, and lung cancer. Make sure to wear the proper gear when you paint your home, opt for lead-free paint, and dispose of unused paint wisely.
Your health is precious and you can never be too sure of the health risks you are exposing yourself to. Always read the labels carefully when you buy food and other products and stay away from things that appear to let off smells or fumes that you feel are unsafe. Precaution is always better than cure.
