One of the topics that constantly draws my attention is cancer.
With continual credible research that shows family history is only a small part of cancer risk, why are so many people getting this potentially deadly disease?
Lifestyle, nutrition, and chemical exposure seem to be high contributing factors of whether cancer manifests at full blast.
Breast cancer in particular is concerning as it has become the leading cause of death for women in their late 30s to early 50s.
A recent study from the Silent Spring Institute focused on illuminating common place breast carcinogens found throughout women's day-to-day lives. Here were the findings focusing on 100 of the most common chemicals:
- Air pollution is a breast cancer issue. Fumes from gasoline and diesel which emit benzene and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons are big problems. What to do? Encourage buses and parked vehicles particularly around schools during pickup time to not idle, switch to an electric lawn mower, invest more in renewable resources.
- Non-Stick cook wear is a breast cancer issue. Especially when you cook food at high temperatures on non-stick cookware you are ensuring high chemical exposure. Get rid of your non-stick cookware and switch to cast iron or stainless steel.
- Dry Cleaning is a breast cancer issue. Conventional dry cleaning uses chemicals and solvents like PERC, perchloroethylene, which have been linked to higher risk of breast cancer. Find places that avoid this and other chemicals or use a wet-clean method.
- Water is a breast cancer issue. While its wonderful that municipal water is being disinfected, high levels of chlorine leave MX residues which increase cancer rates. Ensure your water is filtered with a carbon block filter which will get these out.
- Furniture is a breast cancer issue. While you can find good deals on furniture, rugs, and carpets for your home, most are sprayed with flame retardants and stain-resistant chemicals which both equals trouble. Avoid polyurethane foam and opt for naturally flame-resistant fabrics and padding such as wool, hemp, organic latex, or consciously sourced leather.
- Household cleaners are a breast cancer issue. Toxic cleaning chemicals pollute your indoor environment as well as collected dust, and dirt which brings in chemicals indoors. Take your shoes off at the front door, wipe dust with a wet rag or natural cleaning spray, and clean with a High-Efficiency Particulate Air vacuum cleaner.
- Politics is a breast cancer issue. Did you know that you live your life as a guinea pig for the chemical industry? The US has a innocent until proven guilty stance for over 80,000 chemicals. The burden of proof is on us the consumers not industry. THIS IS barbaric and infuriating. Contact your congressman/woman and senator and urge them to toughen up the Toxic Substances Control Act.
While life gets busy, it is amazing how the little things can make a huge impact.