5 Everyday Items Sneaking Carcinogens Into Your Household!

These days it’s nearlyimpossible to go 24 hours without exposing yourself to some sort of potentially dangerous substance or carcinogen. According to the American Cancer Society, carcinogens are the substances, situations, and exposures that can lead to cancer. Generally speaking, everyone’s risk of developing cancer varies, but the three main determinants are genetics, length of time you’re exposed to the substance, and the intensity of the exposure. Here are 5 carcinogen filled products that most of us have no idea we’re in danger using.

1.Baby powder (Talcum powder)
Found in almost everyone’s bathroom cabinets, baby powder is widely used because of its almost endless possibilities. Not only can it be used as dry shampoo, deodorant, or a baby bottom refresher, but the main ingredient, Talc, is found in many cosmetic products. In Talc’s natural form, there is a chance it contains asbestos, a known carcinogen linked to lung cancer and rare cancer called mesothelioma when inhaled. Next time you’re picking out a bottle of baby powder, be sure to get one labeled “Talcum free!”

2. Scented candles/air fresheners
So many busy homes are tempted to add a little “fresh” scent to the air – especially if you have pets, but you may wnt to rethink that scented candle! Not only do burning candles release carcinogenic chemicals into the air, but there are studies stating chemicals can be absorbed by the body just by touching the candles. Paraffin, a sludge waste from the petroleum industry, is the major ingredient in most candles. Fear not, candle lovers! You ca buy paraffin free candles for a cleaner burn! Or even better – learn to make your own!

3. Hot dogs
Yup, no surprise here. Most people accept the fact they don’t want to know what goes into a hot dog, but it’s more than just the rumored mystery meat. Highly processed hot dogs contain preservatives called nitrites, which when combined with amines naturally present in meat, form carcinogenic N-nitroso compounds.

4. Laundry detergent
A lot of well-known detergents are also some of the most toxic. They might be the best at getting out those stubborn stains, but it does comes at a price. The use of 1,4-dioxane (found in paints and varnishes) in some brands may trick you into thinking your laundry is clean, but that “fresh laundry” smell is just a bunch of chemicals sitting on your clothes waiting to be absorbed into your skin. Detergents with plant-based ingredients are not only safer for the whole family, but also a lot more eco-friendly!

5. Grocer Whole Milk
The Canadian Food Guide suggests 2 – 4 cups daily depending on your age; however, unless you’re getting your milk straight from your own grass-fed cow, chances are the gallon of whole milk sitting in your fridge contains a handful of carcinogens and growth hormones like bGH (some studies show a possible link to breast cancer.) Try organic almond or coconut milk next time you’re pouring yourself a bowl of cereal!

So there you have it!