Carcinogenic chemicals: Top 7 household products you need to know

Despite being health conscious, you tend to ignore the minute things. The products you purchased for your home have not been placed properly and are scattered everywhere. You have to be careful as the ones lying are chemicals that are quite carcinogenic. There are 100s of them and they seriously pose a threat of cancer. These hazardous chemicals are used in everyday use, in the form of household products. In this write-up, we will understand what this chemical is about, what these products are and what are the carcinogenic elements present in each of the different items.

Carcinogens: What are they

To understand this chemical in depth, let us give you a walkthrough. How many times have you felt about buying household items that are dirt cheap? Often, you have not read the label and instructions and land with a health issue. The substances found in these items or products are known as carcinogens. They come in different forms and pose a serious threat to one’s body. They damage the DNA within the human body’s cells. As per IARC (International Agency for Research and Cancer), carcinogens are the cancer cause and they range from those carcinogens confirmed to carcinogenic substances.

Top 7 household products you need to know

1.Household cleaning products

Three of the chemicals that are found in many cleaning products are formaldehyde, ammonia and bleach. They are known to be the main cause of respiratory issues and are linked to lung and bladder cancer. It is formaldehyde that has been recognized as the noted carcinogen that causes cancer if the exposure is long-term, according to ACS (American Cancer Society).

2.Air Fresheners

Air freshener items too cannot be ignored. Organic compounds found in them are volatile and they comprise phthalates and formaldehyde. They are largely associated with air pollution indoors. Many of the products are the leading cause of respiratory and cancer illness. Their prolonged use can pose many health risks, as per a report by EPA (Environmental Protection Agency).

3.Personal Care Items/Products

One comes across several personal care items or products decked on different shelves in a supermarket or a retail shop. They are bought due to their fragrance. The common things found in the different products are fragrances, parabens and phthalates. A report by ACS (American Cancer Society) states that different substances can disrupt hormonal functions in the human body. They are also associated with many breast cancer cases.

4.Non-stick cookware

The non-stick cookware comes with a coating that comprises PFOA (perfluorooctanoic or polytetrafluoroethylene acid). Once the cookware overheats, it releases toxic carcinogenic fumes. A study conducted on animals revealed that PFOA is directly linked to cancer, as per a study by NIEHS (National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences).

5.Furniture and Oil Paint

Your age-old property is lying in a dilapidated condition and the furniture has not been replaced for many years. The furniture is made of lead-based wood or paint and is comprised of formaldehyde. The well-known carcinogen is lead with formaldehyde exposure directly linked to cancer.

6.Pesticides

Often, one uses household pesticides without reading the instructions. They consist of carbamates and organophosphates that are linked to health and cancer issues. They can pose a health risk if they are not used with caution.

7.Synthetic upholstery and carpets

There are many synthetic upholstery and carpet materials comprising different chemicals like adhesives and flame retardants. They emit harmful VOCs. Prolonged exposure to these materials is associated with respiratory and cancer issues. But if you choose the right safer materials, you can avert any form of health risk.

Summing up

In a nutshell, choose wisely the different products that are required for your home. Read the label and instructions and never rush for any purchase. At IBP, you can get a complete list of manufacturers, suppliers, retailers, and wholesalers and find the list of household products that are safe for use. If you land in difficulty and are unaware of the right products required for your home, you can drop a message. Our experts will get back to you! Happy to Help!