3 Dangerous Carcinogens And How To Stay Safe From Them

Carcinogens are substances that have the ability to cause cancer in living organisms. They can be found in various components of our daily lives, including our close environment, workplaces, and even in the products we use.

Statistics tell us that America will have close to 2 million cases of cancer in 2023. For such a devastating disease, this figure is far higher than we’d like it to be. 

While cancer can be caused by various factors, certain common carcinogens can unnecessarily increase the risk. In this article, we will explore three such carcinogens, where they are found, and how to stay safe from them.

1. Formaldehyde

Formaldehyde is a colorless gas that is widely used in the production of resins, plastics, textiles, and building materials like plywood and particleboard. It is also used as a preservative in medical laboratories, as an ingredient in disinfectants.

Prolonged or repeated exposure to formaldehyde has been associated with respiratory problems, allergic reactions, and an increased risk of certain cancers, particularly nasopharyngeal and leukemia.

Currently, the U.S. Government is facing close to 1,000 cases from military personnel and their family members. Why? Well, from the 50s to the 80s, Camp Lejeune, a military base in North Carolina, experienced water contamination from a number of “Volatile Organic Compounds” (VOC). 

Formaldehyde is one such VOC that affected close to one million people at Camp Lejeune. According to TorHoerman Law, other toxic chemicals that were responsible for the water contamination disaster at Camp Lejeune include benzene, tetrachloroethylene, and vinyl chloride. 

To help those affected, the Camp Lejeune Justice Act was passed in August 2022. It aims to provide compensation to those affected by the disaster. Currently, Congress has still not granted new funding to handle the compensation program. 

Who Is at Risk?

Workers in industries where formaldehyde is extensively used, such as laboratories, funeral homes, medical facilities, manufacturing plants, and certain construction trades, are at an increased risk of formaldehyde exposure. 

Even people who live close to buildings with high formaldehyde emissions, such as those constructed with formaldehyde-containing materials like pressed wood products, may be at higher risk.

How to Stay Safe?

Be aware of common sources of formaldehyde, such as pressed-wood products (plywood, particleboard, etc.), certain types of insulation, glues, paints, varnishes, and some cleaning agents. Choose low-formaldehyde or formaldehyde-free alternatives when possible.

Consider using air purifiers equipped with activated carbon or HEPA filters. These can help reduce formaldehyde levels in the air by trapping the particles. Another measure you can take would involve humidity control. High humidity can promote the release of formaldehyde from certain materials. Aim to keep indoor humidity levels between 30% and 50% in order to discourage formaldehyde emissions. 

2. Acrylamide

Acrylamide is formed naturally in certain foods when they are cooked at high temperatures. This is particularly the case during processes like frying, baking, or roasting. The process through which acrylamide forms is known as ‘The Maillard reaction.’

The carcinogenic properties were identified in 2002 by researchers at the Swedish National Food Administration. Several years later, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) also concluded that acrylamide is “likely to be carcinogenic to humans.” 

Foods that are commonly associated with higher levels of acrylamide include potato products (such as French fries and potato chips), coffee, bread, and other baked goods.  

Acrylamide exposure in animal studies has been linked to the development of cancer, highlighting its potential carcinogenic properties. However, there is still a lack of clarity regarding how serious it is for humans.

Who Is at Risk?

People who regularly consume foods that are known to contain higher levels of acrylamide, such as fried potato products (French fries, potato chips), coffee, bread, and certain baked goods, may have a higher exposure to acrylamide.

Similarly, foods cooked at high temperatures for extended periods, or those that are burned or excessively browned, also tend to have higher levels of acrylamide. 

How to Stay Safe?

Opt for cooking methods that produce less acrylamide formation. Boiling, steaming, or microwaving foods instead of frying, baking, or roasting is a good idea. 

Soaking certain foods like potatoes in water for 15-30 minutes before cooking or blanching them in hot water briefly can also help reduce acrylamide levels. 

When frying or baking, choose oils with high smoke points, such as canola, sunflower, or peanut oil. Reusing cooking oils or fats can increase acrylamide formation, so it’s best to use fresh oil each time.

3. Radon

Radon is considered a significant carcinogen and is the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking. Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that is colorless, odorless, and tasteless. It is formed through the radioactive decay of uranium, which is present in varying amounts in soil, rocks, and water.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), it is responsible for around 3-14% of all lung cancer cases worldwide.

Who Is at Risk?

Radon can be found in varying concentrations in different regions, both rural and urban. As a result, anyone exposed can be at risk. People living in basement apartments or other below-ground dwellings may have a higher risk of radon exposure due to the proximity to the ground and potential entry points for radon.

Certain occupations, such as miners, uranium processing workers, and underground construction workers, may face higher levels of radon exposure due to their work environments. 

The northern parts of America also tend to have the highest levels of radon in the soil. These include states like Iowa, Minnesota, Montana, and Pennsylvania, among others. 

How to Stay Safe?

The best way to stay safe from radon exposure is through testing. Radon testing kits are available for purchase online or at local hardware stores. Follow the instructions provided with the kit to collect air samples in different areas of your home, preferably in the lowest livable spaces. Alternatively, you can hire a professional radon testing service to perform the test. If radon is detected, you will likely have to find and seal entry points and increase airflow through the area. 

Conclusion

Safeguarding yourself from carcinogens is of paramount importance for maintaining health and well-being. It goes without saying that you should stay informed about potential carcinogens, regularly assess your living and working environments, and seek professional guidance when necessary.

Becoming more aware of the different carcinogens that exist, who they affect, and how to stay safe from them is key. The more you know about carcinogens, the better you can protect yourself from cancer.