In a new report on environmental
contaminants strong link to cancer by University of Liverpool researchers, infants and young children may be at
risk of developing cancer through exposure to pesticides in food and from exposure to contaminants in the home
environment. The cancer causing chemicals found in the meat and dairy products mothers consume can be transferred to
infants through breast milk. The Cancer Prevention and Education Society is working to reduce the current epidemic levels of cancer by reducing human exposure to carcinogens, particularly those of man-made origin. Unlike other cancer charities, the primary purpose of the organization is to prevent people from getting cancer in the first place. Here are ten top tips for reducing cancer risks:
- Do eat fresh organic food or, failing that, food low in additives.
- Do drink filtered or mineral water.
- Don't use synthetic pesticides in your garden.
- Use water based paints or, if you must use solvent paints, ventilate your home very well.
- Don't use aerosols that can be breathed in or leave deposits on domestic surfaces - deodorants, air-fresheners, hair-spray, fly and mosquito repellents.
- Do use toiletries low in additives and avoid chlorinated items.
- Don't smoke, protect yourself from sun-burn and drink alcohol in moderation.
- Do eat fish from low pollution waters.
- Do read all product labels. Try to minimize your exposure to synthetic chemicals and pollution.
- Dispose of chemicals carefully.
1. Here we go again.
According to the International Union Against Cancer (UICC) web site, here is what they recommend to decrease the risk of cancer:
1. Do not smoke; if you smoke, stop doing so. If you fail to stop, do not smoke in the
presence of non-smokers.
2. Avoid obesity.
3. Undertake some brisk physical activity every day.
4. Increase your daily intake and variety of vegetables and fruits: eat at least five servings
daily. Limit your intake of foods containing fats from animal sources.
5. If you drink alcohol, whether beer, wine or spirits, moderate your consumption to
two drinks per day if you are a man and one drink per day if you are a woman.
6. Take care to avoid excessive exposure to the sun. It is especially important to protect
children and adolescents. If you have a tendency to burn in the sun, you must
take active protective measures throughout life.
7. Strictly follow regulations aimed at preventing exposure to known cancer-causing
substances. Follow all health and safety instructions on substances that may cause
cancer. Follow the advice of national radiation protection offices.
EM, in Canada
References (limited to 3 by this blog, plenty more available):
http://www.uicc.org/index.php?id=976
http://www.who.int/cancer/prevention/en/
http://www.cancer.org/docroot/PED/ped_1.asp?sitearea=PED&level=1
Posted at 2:11PM on Mar 21st 2006 by EM