Carcinogens in household items: a hidden danger

First of all, let's be clear: carcinogens — factors of various nature that provoke the occurrence of malignant tumors or other oncological diseases. Many of them are not directly related to the daily life of most people. However, in the home of each of us you can find objects that cause cancer with prolonged exposure to the body.

Let's take a closer look together with estet-portal.com which materials and substances pose a potential threat to our lives. More specifically, we propose to talk about those that you have to deal with daily.

The danger and deceit of house dust

In our minds, dust is usually associated with allergic reactions and lung diseases. No matter how carefully we clean up, it appears again and again. Perhaps house dust — the most unpredictable source of danger. With it, not only pathogenic microorganisms, but also many toxic substances enter our cozy home, which, daily affecting the human body, provoke the development of oncology. These can be lead compounds, arsenic, pesticides that are used for tillage.

Of course, we do our best to control dust. Everyone knows about the need to do wet cleaning, but there are other points that should be considered:

• When using a vacuum cleaner, do not forget to clean not only the bin, but also the filters contained in it from dust and debris.
• Regularly wash window shades, wash blinds. Being electrified, these objects are able to accumulate and hold a huge amount of dust.
• Do not forget, when you come from the street, carefully wipe or wash the soles of your shoes. Note that the habit of taking care of shoes every day, in the evening (and not in the morning, in a hurry) will help extend the period of wear and save precious time in the morning.

Household chemicals containing carcinogens

Every day we use a wide variety of household chemicals. It is hard to imagine that even thirty years ago we could easily get by with only hot water for washing dishes, sometimes & nbsp; resorting to heavy artillery — soda and dry mustard. Of course, the use of a variety of detergents greatly facilitates the process of cleaning or washing.

However, in the pursuit of cleanliness, we expose ourselves to many aggressive chemical compounds that are present in a variety of detergents and hygiene products, laundry detergents and cleaning powders. Surfactants are especially dangerous — surfactants, including heavy metal compounds and acids. In addition, phenols, parabens, phthalates, amines can be found in powders, liquids and gels.

Is it possible to protect yourself from the harmful effects of household chemicals? Of course, we can advise you to immediately stop using a variety of cleaning and washing products, but there will be little use from such advice. In order to reduce the risk of developing oncological processes, it is necessary to remember that:

• The most toxic are the strongest and cheapest detergents.
• When you start cleaning, make sure you wear gloves. Some substances (for example, benzene) penetrate the body even through intact skin.
• Try to minimize the use of diffusers, especially when it comes to air fresheners: they are especially harmful because they easily get into the lungs. Therefore, do not neglect personal protective equipment.
• To minimize the time of contact with household chemicals, the following trick will help you: when washing plumbing or tiles, first apply the desired detergent and allow it to work for a while. This will allow you to quickly and efficiently remove dirt.
• Follow the instructions on the packaging carefully and store your detergents properly.

Hazardous carcinogens in cosmetics

When purchasing another bottle of shampoo or a jar of cream, we sincerely hope that the use of this or that cosmetic product may not give us "impeccable smoothness and silkiness" of the skin or "fantastic shine and volume" of the hair, but at least not will bring harm. Alas, unpleasant surprises cannot be completely ruled out here. Today, on the shelves of stores you can often find & nbsp; cosmetic products that contain toxins, but we are wondering if they contain substances that cause cancer?

Unfortunately, some cosmetics contain:

• Parabens used as preservatives. In some countries, these substances are banned, a number of scientists believe that they can cause the development of malignant tumors.
• Alkylphenol ethoxylate — a poisonous, carcinogenic substance that manufacturers often include in shampoos. When exposed to the body of a man, it also negatively affects the amount of sperm.
• Synthetic alcohol, found in a wide variety of cosmetics, is a dangerous mutagenic and carcinogenic substance.
• Acetamide — a carcinogen often included in blushes and lipsticks to retain moisture.
• Benzene, which we mentioned earlier, is also a frequent "guest" in a wide variety of cosmetic products.

Of course, this list is far from complete, we just want to draw your attention to the problem. The cosmetics that we use every day can indeed contain a huge amount of various carcinogens.

Of course, all of the above substances are included in cosmetic products in small doses. However, many of them are able to imperceptibly accumulate in the body and "work" when their number becomes "critical". Perhaps that is why modern women are increasingly addicted to making soap at home and are increasingly using masks of their own making?

Furniture, carpets and rugs: a hidden threat

We will, of course, not talk about antique chests of drawers, tapestries and sets. The danger is almost everything that belongs to the most affordable, and therefore popular, price segment. For example, furniture made of chipboard — one of the most common, for a long time there was no alternative to it at all. Such furniture is relatively safe as long as it is not damaged. However, if a layer of pressed chips appears from under the outer layer, it's time to sound the alarm: the chipboard adhesive contains extremely dangerous toxins — formaldehydes, which, evaporating, day after day, adversely affect your body. When buying new furniture, opt for slightly less toxic MDF or solid wood.

Furniture — far from the only source of formaldehyde in our homes. This dangerous and widespread carcinogen can vaporize vinyl wallpaper, paintwork, and even plastic toys.

Carpets that create comfort in a room can also pose a threat to your health. Some types of polymer fibers (in particular, polystyrene), even with slight heating, begin to release toxic substances that day after day affect the body of those who are nearby. Therefore, when buying a carpet product, be sure to study the composition of the fibers.

The danger of plastic dishes and kitchen utensils

Certain types of plastic utensils and a variety of kitchen utensils also pose a great danger. The reason is the same — polymeric material, relatively safe in contact with cold products. However, when heated (for example, in contact with hot food), long polymer molecules are destroyed, links of long molecules are released and interact with food or drink. Polystyrene dishes are especially dangerous.

Catalysts and plasticizers that are used in the process can also get into food when heated. Note that these are far from harmless salts of heavy metals.

Of course, modern technologies do not stand still, new types of plastic appear, which are considered safe. However, in order to avoid health problems, try not to use plastic dishes for long-term storage of food or serving hot dishes, give preference to ceramics, earthenware or glass.

Special care must be taken in handling the now popular non-stick cookware.

High temperature non-stick coating  (Teflon) releases a dangerous carcinogen — perfluorooctanoic acid.

This substance provokes the development of pathologies of the endocrine system, increases the risk of infertility, can cause cancer and other diseases.

Despite the fact that cooking takes place at a lower temperature, the production and sale of such dishes is prohibited in many countries of the world.

How to reduce exposure to carcinogens in household items

The subject covered is practically inexhaustible. Looking more closely, we will find the notorious carcinogens literally everywhere. After all, we have not yet mentioned harmful exhaust gases and a lot of dangerous toxins in food. However, do not panic. Of course, not everyone has the opportunity to drop everything, build a house from environmentally friendly wood and wash exclusively with spring water. What should a real person with an ordinary, average income do?

• First of all, don't panic. Millions of people live happily to a ripe old age in the same conditions. However, do not be lazy to undergo a preventive examination by a specialized specialist. Many oncological diseases are quite easily curable in the early stages.
• Try to eliminate those problematic moments that simply did not reach your hands: reduce the number of various detergents, use protective equipment, thoroughly ventilate the room, especially after or during cleaning.
• When purchasing furniture, carpet, dishes or other household items, ask what it is made of, what harmful substances it contains, follow the instructions for use. Also, be sure to check the quality certificate.

We invite you to visit the site estet-portal.com, where you will find many other equally interesting materials that can shed light on the topic of beauty, health and longevity.

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