What is a Carcinogen?
A carcinogen is any substance that can directly cause cancer in living tissue. Radioactive substances are considered to be carcinogens, as well as none -radioactive carcinogens, which include tobacco smoke, dioxins, and inhaled asbestos. Carcinogens increase the risk of DNA being damaged, and cells being altered, which can lead to the formation of cancer and tumors.
Carcinogens exist in man-made substances such as some plastics. Certain plastics have been known to leach toxic chemicals when heated, worn, or put under pressure. Carcinogens exist not just in man-made synthetic substances however, but also in nature. Certain fungus, such as the "Aspergillus Flavus" fungus which grows on nuts and stored grains, is a naturally occurring potent microbial carcinogen. Viruses such as Hepatitis B, and HPV (human papilloma virus), has been found to increase cancer risk, and dioxins and dioxin-like compounds such as asbestos are classed as carcinogens.
How to minimize risk?
Firstly, try to reduce your exposure to known cariogenic properties, such as keeping away from vehicle exhaust fumes as much as possible. Avoid pesticides, tobacco smoke, and any known harmful exposures in general. Tabaco smoke is a known risk, not just for the smoker, but for those around them. "Second-hand smoke" or "passive smoking" exposes the receiver to nicotine and toxic chemicals. Second-hand smoke has been linked to lung cancer, as well as linked to cancer of the larynx, brain, bladder, rectum, stomach, pharynx, and breast. It has also been suggested as being a link to childhood leukemia. New rules imposed upon smokers such as restricting or banning smoking in public places more difficult, reducing the risk of second-hand smoke, but if you are exposed to it, it is best to try move away from the area and sit somewhere the fumes cannot reach you. Pesticides are another known carcinogen, so try to use natural pest control options where possible. Natural pest control options also reduce risk of contaminating people, pets, and other wildlife and insects with toxic substances, so consider this before reaching for something more harmful.
What else can I do?
Stay fit and healthy, and have a regular health check-up. Keeping your immune system strong is important in fighting off carcinogens. Remove known carcinogens from your home such as air fresheners, certain cleaning products, automotive supplies, flea and tick treatments, paints and varnishes, and art and craft materials. Keep informed about what items are considered to be a known carcinogenic, in order to avoid as much as possible these products and environments.
Some other known carcinogens to keep in mind are:
- Lead and its compounds
- Ultraviolet radiation( from the sun and UV lamps)
- Alcohol (linked to head and neck cancers)
- Ionizing radiation (such as X-rays, gamma rays, etc.)
Before you panic, and try to remove yourself from every known carcinogenic item around you, remember that good health and well-being play an important part in keeping your immune system strong, so stressing and worrying isn't going to serve you well! Some carcinogenic materials such as SOME plastics, does not mean ALL plastics. There are people working with materials such as plastic on an everyday basis, such as those working in a plastic machine shop, using plastic machining and plastic milling machines, are despite being exposed, are fine and well. So consider the information and do what you can, but do not let it stress you.
