That can kill me? Cancer wears many different disguises. Sometimes it looks like a cigarette, other times sunburn. And then there are the times when you're face-to-face with it and don't even know it. In order to unmask the monster, we asked Bill Jameson, Ph.D., a researcher with the National Toxicology Program, to help us create this list of hidden carcinogens. As Jameson points out, "knowing what you might be exposed to can be your best defense".

THE CARCINOGEN: Sawdust.

THE SOURCE: Garage workbench and anywhere else sanding is done.

THE DANGER: Invades your nostrils, causing nasal cancer.

THE DEFENSE: Buy a sander with a bagging feature, and wear a dust mask.

THE CARCINOGEN: Di (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP).

THE SOURCE: PVC pipes and food wrapped in plastic.

THE DANGER: Causes liver cancer and shrunken testicles in rats.

THE DEFENSE: Avoid meats the supermarket has prepared and wrapped in plastic.

THE CARCINOGEN: Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA).

THE SOURCE: Nonstick surfaces.

THE DANGER: Early studies show a possible link to liver cancer.

THE DEFENSE: Put away the nonstick pans and cook with pans coated with olive oil.

THE CARCINOGEN: Heterocyclic amines (HCA).

THE SOURCE: Meat cooked over high heat and charred.

THE DANGER: Elevates the risk of liver, colon, and stomach cancers.

THE DEFENSE: Avoid eating any protein that's been charred, including meat and fish.

THE CARCINOGEN: Arsenic.

THE SOURCE: Pesticides and pre-2004 pressure-treated lumber.

THE DANGER: Increases the risk of liver, kidney, and bladder cancers.

THE DEFENSE: Use arsenic-free pesticides on your lawn, and seal outdoor decks.


Posted by: Andria    Source

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