Danger lurks where you least expect it: ordinary objects found in every home can provoke cancer. We urge you not to panic, but to take precautions – fortunately, there is always a healthy alternative.
Microwave
Microwaves have a mixed reputation, to put it mildly. However, it has been proven that this household appliance is completely harmless when used normally. It is not the microwave oven itself that is dangerous, but the plastic and film that are incompatible with it. Do not rush to heat up takeaway food in a plastic container from the store; be sure to check whether it can be used for heating in a microwave oven. To do this, you need to find the marking, which the manufacturer usually places on the bottom. The PS (polystyrene) and PVC (polyvinyl chloride) markings indicate that the container is absolutely not suitable for heating and is safe only for storing cold food products (again, if there is a corresponding symbol – a pictogram of a glass and a fork). Unsuitable plastic will release dangerous chemicals that can provoke cancer and other ailments. In addition, it is recommended to remove the plastic film from the products.
Air freshener
There is a scented aerosol in almost every home: most often it is used to get rid of an unpleasant smell in the toilet. In addition to the promised freshness, most colorful sprays are dangerous. Look for limonene in the composition – this is the substance that, when sprayed, reacts with ozone from the air and turns into toxic formaldehyde. In addition, such products often contain sodium nitrite, ethanol, phthalates, acetone and benzene – all these substances can be safely considered poisons, their effect on the body can be unpredictable, and headache is only the most harmless symptom. According to research, not only aerosols, but also aromatic candles can cause the occurrence and development of malignant tumors. The safest products are those without artificial fragrances and those where natural essential oils are responsible for the aroma – there are at least some of these.
Art supplies
It would seem, how can ordinary office supplies be dangerous? Moreover, only a few adults are keen on drawing, while most children enjoy drawing with both paints and markers. It is easy to protect yourself and your offspring: choose water-based art supplies. Some creative tools, alas, can cause cancer. These are permanent markers, acrylic paints, solvents and even superglue. Of course, you can’t draw with glue, but here it would be useful to remember scrapbooking, when amazing cards are made from individual elements.
Cookware with non-stick coating
Non-stick cookware has become very popular, largely due to the efforts of marketers. How can you resist an advert featuring a miracle frying pan where nothing sticks? Some people were primarily attracted not by the convenience of frying, but by the ability to use less oil in their dishes. No matter how convenient non-stick cookware is, it has the unfortunate property of breaking down under high temperatures. As a result, toxic particles and fluorine-based gas are released into the air: inhaling the “exhaust gases” from your favourite frying pan can lead to cancer, so if possible, you should use alternative types of cookware and cooking methods.
Nail polish
Nail polish is an essential part of the beauty routine of the vast majority of women. Wide distribution does not make nail polish safe – most brands pose a threat due to the formaldehyde content. As a rule, varnishes also contain butyl acetate, a solvent and ethyl methacrylate, which can harm both your nervous and reproductive systems. Therefore, it is definitely worth paying attention to the composition, especially if you paint your nails daily.
Cotton bed linen
Cotton is considered a natural material, desirable in every home, but at the same time, products made from it can be surprisingly dangerous. This is because cotton cultivation often uses a huge amount of pesticides – about 16% of their global turnover! Bright colors are a double threat. Formaldehyde is used in dyeing bed linen, which is considered safe in small doses. Needless to say, calculating the exact dose from different sources in the house will be problematic? Do not be surprised if new bed linen provokes a coughing fit, and do not use sets before washing under any circumstances. Organic cotton, bamboo and linen are an alternative.
Anti-dandruff shampoo
Anti-dandruff shampoos often contain methylchloroisothiazolinone, a substance that has not yet received a clear assessment, but some researchers suggest that it may be a carcinogen. But with another ingredient, everything is very clear: coal tar as an active ingredient prevents dandruff and slows down the growth of bacteria. Despite all its undeniable advantages, this substance is a known carcinogen and, moreover, is prohibited in cosmetics in the EU. In any case, we recommend using anti-dandruff shampoos when it is really necessary, and not on a regular basis. If you cannot cope with the problem for a long time, seek medical help.
Polycarbonate bottles
Using a reusable water bottle is not only convenient and economical, it is also a solid contribution to the ecology of the planet. But some drinking containers can be far from harmless. As in the case of a microwave oven, dangerous properties appear under certain circumstances. Remember that polycarbonate bottles should never be heated. And we are not talking about heating a drink: try not to leave the container in the car in the summer, protect it from overheating on the beach: under the influence of temperatures, water can be enriched with the infamous substance – bisphenol A, which can cause cancer and a number of other health problems. A win-win option is glass containers.