People avoid certain foods or unhealthy lifestyle just to reduce the risk of cancer. However, they may not realize that there are also household products that contain carcinogens that can cause cancer. 

The products used at home may be an additional factor in developing cancer. According to American Cancer Society, a substance from a particular product or exposure to certain radiation that can cause cancer is known as a carcinogen. Though they are not related to the DNA, the impact of carcinogens in the cells can cause serious problems.

Like Us on Facebook

These ten household products are known to be carcinogenic.

Air fresheners

In a study from 2008, researchers examined six potential chemical products; three of these were air fresheners. Out of the six, five products produce more carcinogenic chemicals. There were about 20 hazardous compounds discovered in a particular plug-in air freshener.

Cleaning products

The Environmental Working Group created a list which they called as "Cleaners Hall of Shame" because these are the worst offenders. There are nearly three-quarters of the 2,500 of the listed products recognized as potentially dangerous, about one-quarter of the ingredients are carcinogenic. They can also cause other health problems like in the respiratory system. 

Dryer sheets

The fragrance of these products may serve as a risk. It contains toxins that can be pass to the sheets that will be transferred to clothes and will end up in the skin. In addition, the dryer vent is also responsible why these chemicals emitted.

Pesticides

Some studies already suggest that pesticides are carcinogenic, though the exact substance that can cause cancer is still unknown. But other chemicals like glyphosate were frequently observed on the product. Wearing preventative equipment is important to block the pesticide from touching the skin.

Food dye

There are nine types of food dyes used in the United States that were known to be carcinogenic. Center for Science in the Public tested these food dyes including the Yellow 6, Citrus Red 2, and Blue 2. In the research, all of them promote tumor growth in rodents.

Pet flea collars

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency found some chemical additives from these collars that were carcinogenic; the tetrachlorvinphos and propoxur. The risk of tetrachlorvinphos and propoxur is serious to children that have frequent contact with pets.

Facial moisturizers and Cosmetic Products

Facial creams contain parabens - carcinogen chemicals. These preservatives were seen in cosmetic creams, foundations, and anti-aging products. Although parabens stop bacterial or yeast growth, these chemicals were also classified as category 1 substances. Parabens were already detected in the tumor growth of breast cancer. It mimics the estrogen, in which, when the hormone increase it favors tumor growth, according to WebMD.

Laundry detergent

Most detergent has the chemical named 1,4-dioxane that is also found in cosmetics, automotive coolant liquids, and bath products. Women's Voices for the Earth reported that 1,4-dioxane chemical was identified in Tide Free & Gentle.

Nail polish

Most of the nail polish have formaldehyde that is a known carcinogen chemical. Those who are working in the salon may likely to develop cancer since they were exposed to this chemical. Using nail polish should be in a well-ventilated area; constantly inhaling formaldehyde may cause nose and sinus cancers, according to Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

Incense

A research shows that these products contain chemicals that are carcinogenic. Children are at high risk of developing cancer when their parents burned incense while nursing or during the stage of pregnancy.

But, not all carcinogenic products have the same result in the body; it still depends on how long the exposure is. Those who frequently use such products are at higher risks.