10 Common Household Items That Could Raise Your Cancer Risk
10 Common Household Items That Could Raise Your Cancer Risk 10 Common Household Items That Could Raise Your Cancer Risk You probably know smoking or too much sun can cause cancer. But did you know some stuff in your home—like your favorite air freshener or frying pan—might also be risky? These things can have chemicals that, over time, could harm your body. Don’t panic, but let’s be smart. Here are 10 everyday items that might increase cancer risk, explained simply with science and tips to stay safe. 1. Air Fresheners Why They’re a Problem Air fresheners make your home smell nice, like flowers or clean laundry. But they release chemicals called volatile organic compounds (VOCs). One of these, formaldehyde, is a known cancer-causing chemical, according to the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). Breathing it in for years could raise your risk of nose or throat cancer, or even leukemia. It’s like spraying a little danger into the air every time you use th...