The dozen products you will see on the list below are considered carcinogenic. You might be surprised to learn that some of these common household products are dangerous, but they really are.
The list was composed by The American Cancer Prevention Coalition which did an extensive research on the matter and was able to identify the products as carcinogenic.
Nowadays, we are constantly exposed to chemicals and toxins which are ruining our health. Although restaurants and workplaces have to obey safety regulations in order to protect the customers or workers from harmful substances, there are many toxic materials in our home as well.
Here are the 12 most dangerous cancer-causing products in your home:
1. Artificial sweeteners
Artificial sweeteners such as aspartame, saccharin, sorbitol and acesulfame K are highly dangerous and not the perfect sugar alternative as advertised.
They are related to different types of cancer as well as other diseases and conditions that can seriously harm your health. Instead of these sweeteners, replace sugar in your diet with stevia, yacon syrup, erythritol and xylitol.
2. Non-stick pans and pots
This type of cookware is used on a daily basis with people unaware of the health risks it brings. They release dangerous chemicals into our food during cooking, and the non-stick coating also breaks down at a cellular level when heated.
Once broken down, it releases a variety of toxic particles and gasses that are highly carcinogenic. Instead of non-stick cookware, use glass and ceramic pans and pots.
3. Plastic bottles and containers
The chemicals from plastic food and drink containers may leak into the food and get into your body later. The most dangerous chemical from plastic containers is BPA (Bisphenol-A), which is used to harden plastic bottles.
According to several studies, BPA has numerous negative effects on our health, which even led the FDA to admit “some concern” over the chemical in 2010. Instead of plastic containers, use metal or glass ones in order to protect your health.
4. Talcum powder
According to one study, talcum powder may cause lung and ovarian cancer. The study showed that most of the examined ovarian tumors contained traces of talc, which links the product with the disease.
Another study discovered that talc is related to ovarian cancer, and a recent British study that examined more than 2000 women showed an increased risk of ovarian cancer in 20-30% of women who use the powder on their intimate parts.
5. Commercial cleaning products
The majority of commercial cleaning products contain chemicals that have been associated with asthma. Studies have shown that most of them contain BPA, phthalates, parabens and triclosan, which are known hormone disruptors.
Luckily, there is a natural alternative to these products – a mixture of baking soda and vinegar is a great antibacterial agent that can clean any surface and destroy the bacterial buildup on it.
6. Air fresheners
You’re probably wondering how something like air fresheners can be harmful. According to recent scientific discoveries, the fumes these fresheners emit are more dangerous than cigarette smoke, and have been related to hormonal imbalance, asthma and different types of cancer.
Instead of air fresheners, use essential oils to freshen up your home – they smell just as pleasant (if not better) and can even improve your mood.
7. Toothpaste
Yes, your favorite toothpaste contains harmful chemicals such as fluoride and saccharin, known carcinogens that you shouldn’t put anywhere near your mouth. Both compounds can seriously harm your health and are related to numerous types of cancer and other disorders.
8. Mothballs
Everyone uses mothballs in their closets thinking they’re not harmful, but actually, mothballs contain naphthalene which has been related to liver and kidney damage, as well as anemia and different types of cancer in humans and animals both.
9. Shampoo
Most popular anti-dandruff shampoos such as Head & Shoulders contain a mutagen known as methylchloroisothiazolinone, as well as ammonium laureth sulfate. The compounds are not dangerous on their own, but they often get contaminated with 1.4-dioxane during the process of production, which is a confirmed human carcinogen.
10. Antiperspirants and deodorants
There are many scientific studies on the negative effects of antiperspirants and deodorants on our health. These products have been found to increase the risk of cancer due to the presence of parabens, a chemical used as a preservative.
This compound has been found in breast cancer tissues, and it surely got there from the use of deodorants.
11. Antibacterial soap
The purpose is to destroy bacteria without side-effects, but most antibacterial soaps contain harmful compounds such as triclosan which can increase the risk of cancer, early puberty, infertility and has been known to disrupt the hormonal balance.
12. Flea and tick repellents
Flea and tick repellents can do more harm than good, and this has been scientifically confirmed. They often contain Fipronil, a compound found in liquid flea and tick treatments, which has been related to nausea, vomiting, headaches and seizures, skin irritation and fatigue.
Fipronil has been listed as a human carcinogen, and should be avoided.