Cancer Home Safety

Healthy Home: 10 Cancer-Causing Products

Written by Grace Eno

A home is meant to be a place of comfort, safety, and belonging. But did you know that your seemingly cozy and secure home could be hiding a dark secret? From the pots in your kitchen to the paint on your walls or even the candle you light to unwind after a stressful day, you could be unknowingly putting yourself and your loved ones at risk. Scary, right?

A report from Environmental Science and Technology reveals that over a hundred consumer products contain at least one chemical known to cause cancer. But here’s the good news: With increased awareness in the Black community, we can make significant strides toward change.

In this article, I’ll highlight 10 everyday household items that may increase cancer risk and suggest safer alternatives. Stick with me—let’s make our homes healthier and safer!

1. Non-Stick Cookware.

Nonstick cookware has been a part of Black culinary culture for generations. I used to prefer it because it prevents food from sticking and is easy to wash, making my cooking a breeze. However, it comes with risks. According to The Times of India, nonstick cookware is often coated with perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), a substance known to cause cancer.

I’ve found ceramic and stainless steel cookware to be safe alternatives. Here’s an item recommended by Elevate Black Health: GreenPan Treviso.

2. Air Fresheners.

Who doesn’t love a fresh-smelling home? I always feel more confident welcoming visitors when a pleasant scent is filling the living room. Unfortunately, many air fresheners contain harmful volatile organic compounds (VOCs), such as formaldehyde, benzene, and xylene. These compounds can damage the respiratory system and are known carcinogens, according to UMass Amherst.

I have switched to essential oil diffusers, which provide a welcoming atmosphere and peace of mind. Here is one item recommended by Elevate Black Health: Lagunamoon Essential Oils Set.

3. Cleaning Products.

Breast Cancer Action Quebec reports that some ingredients in cleaning products, like chlorine and ammonia, can cause cancer with long-term exposure.

Instead, opt for green cleaning solutions made with baking soda, natural soaps, and vinegar. Here is one item recommended by Elevate Black Health: ATTITUDE All Purpose Cleaner.

4. Plastic Containers.

Many Black families use plastic containers for a variety of purposes, including microwaving and storing food. While there are many readily available microwavable containers designed for heating food, many people still use regular plastic containers to heat or serve hot dishes. The Breast Cancer Prevention Partners notes that some plastics contain vinyl chloride, which is a known carcinogen.

To minimize potential risks, consider using aluminum foil and ceramic plates instead of heating food in plastic containers. Stainless steel and heat-resistant glass containers are also excellent options. Some cultures use banana leaves to prepare and serve food. These leaves offer a natural and healthy alternative to plastic containers. Elevate Black Health recommends this heat-resistant glass container: Pyrex Glass Mixing Bowl Set.

5. Radon.

Radon is a naturally occurring gas that can enter our homes through water, soil, building materials, cracks, and crevices. It often builds up in basements, crawl spaces, and other enclosed areas. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), exposure to this radioactive gas is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States, responsible for an estimated 21,000 lung cancer deaths each year.

Testing your home for radon is a simple and inexpensive process. If elevated levels are found, consider installing a radon-reducing system to minimize your family’s exposure. Elevate Black Health recommends the following item to test your home for radon: First Alert Radon Gas Test Kit, RD 2.

6. Furniture.

Commonly used mattresses, couches, and carpets make our homes more comfortable and visually appealing. However, most furniture is treated with polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) to reduce fire risks. According to a 2015 report by the New York Times, PBDEs are associated with cancer.

Look for furniture labeled PBDE-free, or consider products certified by programs like UL Greenguard. You can check the labels on the furniture to see if it is free from fire retardants or contact the salespeople or manufacturer.

7. Personal Care Products.

Many individuals are willing to go to any length to enhance their appearance, but at what cost? Shampoos, makeup, and lotions may contain harmful substances like formaldehyde-releasing agents, synthetic fragrances, and parabens. The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center identifies these chemicals as carcinogens.

You can maintain your beauty routine by opting for natural and organic personal care products that are safe for you. Here is one item recommended by Elevate Black Health: Beauty by Earth Self Tanner.

8. Pesticides and Herbicides.

Gardening is a passion of mine; I could spend all day tending to my plants. It’s beneficial for the environment, physical health, and mental well-being, and it helps alleviate stress and anxiety.

However, according to a study by NIEHS, the pesticides and herbicides used to beautify our gardens often contain glyphosate, which is linked to cancer. The study indicates a significantly higher cancer risk for those who apply these chemicals.

Consider using neem oil as a natural, non-toxic pest control option or explore companion planting to support your garden naturally. Elevate Black Health recommends the following item to get rid of your indoor pests: Pestie Home Barrier Pest Control Kit.

9. Paints and Varnishes.

Most homes today are painted, but many older paints and varnishes release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as benzene. Prolonged exposure to these VOCs increases cancer risks, according to BenzeneLayers.

To be safe, you can use a home air quality test kit or install an indoor air monitor to test for VOCs. Alternatively, consider hiring a professional to run a thorough test on your home. Here is one item recommended by Elevate Black Health for this test: MOESAPU Air Quality Detector.

10. Dry Cleaning Products.

Tetrachloroethylene is commonly used in dry cleaning. The US Environmental Protection Agency warns that prolonged exposure can increase cancer risk, not only for dry cleaners but also for anyone wearing clothes cleaned with these products.

When possible, choose eco-friendly dry-cleaning options. If you need to use a professional service, be sure to ask if they use environmentally friendly products. Here is one item recommended by Elevate Black Health: Dryel At-Home Dry Cleaner Starter Kit.

Take Action Today

Do you have any household items that could harm your health or the health of those in your home? As a homeowner, it is my responsibility to protect myself and my loved ones from these harmful products. I highly recommend reading the labels on all household items.

It’s time for every Black family to make informed choices and take action to create a sanctuary of well-being for everyone in the household.

This starts with identifying these harmful products and seeking out safer alternatives. At Elevate Black Health, we believe that every day you say NO to these harmful products, you’re contributing to a healthier and happier home.

For further reading:

ACS Publications. https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.est.2c07247

Times of India. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/food-news/can-non-stick-pans-actually-cause-cancer-heres-the-truth/articleshow/115015476.cms

Environmental Health and Safety, UMASS. https://ehs.umass.edu/air-fresheners-and-indoor-air-quality#:~:text=Air%20fresheners%20can%20impact%20indoor,and%20xylenes%2C%20in%20indoor%20air.

Breast Cancer Action Quebec. https://acsqc.ca/content/toxic-ingredients-cleaning-products-and-health-risks

Breast Cancer Prevention Partners. https://www.bcpp.org/resource/plastics/

Harvard Health Publishing. https://www.health.harvard.edu/heart-health/nitrates-in-food-and-medicine-whats-the-story

The New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/2015/05/04/us/a-flame-retardant-that-came-with-its-own-threat-to-health.html

The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. https://www.mdanderson.org/publications/focused-on-health/cancer-prevention-cosmetic-beauty-tips.h17-1589046.html#:~:text=Other%20beauty%20and%20personal%20care,no%20definitive%20links%20to%20cancer.

National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences. https://www.niehs.nih.gov/health/topics/agents/pesticides Hughes Law Offices. https://www.benzenelawyers.com/benzene-in-paint-thinner

About the author

Grace Eno

Gracy is a dedicated family person, a seasoned writer with years of experience, and a passionate advocate for racial justice. Her work reflects her commitment to inspiring and uplifting others.

Leave a Comment