Household dangers

I came across a very interesting sidebar article in a back issue of Men's Health, highlighting some lesser known causes of cancer. A researcher with the National Toxicology Program helped the editors of the magazine create a list of, shall we say, hidden carcinogens. Unlike the more obvious and known causes of certain types of cancer, such as tobacco and overexposure to the sun, these more obscure causes could possibly be around you right now and you might not be aware of their potential for harm.

SAWDUST: Yup, the type found in garages, home building projects, and even middle-school shop classes. Sawdust invades your nostrils, which can potentially cause nasal cancer. To help combat nasal cancer caused by sawdust, the Men's Health article suggests that you purchase a sander with a bagging feature and wear a dust mask while woodworking.

ARSENIC: This extremely harmful chemical is found in pesticides and lumber that was pressure-treated before the year 2004. Researchers have found that Arsenic increases the risk of developing kidney, liver, and bladder cancers. Two ways to avoid exposure to this carcinogenic chemical is to seal outdoor decks and use Arsenic-free pesticides on your lawn.

HCA: Short for Heterocyclic amines. Oddly, with all the talk about bacteria and the safety of cooking meats properly, this potential cancer-causing agent is brought to the fore when meat is overcooked and charred. It has been suggested that HCA elevates the risk of liver, colon and stomach cancers. According to the researcher in the Men's Health article, the best defense against HCA is to avoid eating any protein that has been charred, including meat and fish.