Over the years, you’ve probably heard that a wide range of things can lead to cancer. New research will either validate or deny these claims, but it can be hard to separate fact from fiction. Here is a list of a few things that have created concern in recent years and the truth about them.

Artificial Sweeteners

One of the most popular items that has been linked to cancer is artificial sweeteners like Equal and Sweet ‘n Low. Sweeteners that contain saccharine got a bad rap a few years back when it was discovered that the ingredient caused cancer in rats.

According to researchers, rats react in a different way to saccharine than people. There has been no indication that it leads to a higher cancer risk, and the warning label has been gone on these products since 2000. Aspartame hasn’t been found to cause cancer either.

Cell Phones

While cell phones haven’t been linked to cancer, they do come with warnings. They emit the same kind of energy as what is found in microwave ovens. It’s best to use a hands-free device, just in case.

Meat

You may not think about the dangers of eating processed meat, but the nitrates in hot dogs, lunch meat and other types of meat could cause cancer. These nitrates specifically increase the risk for colon cancer.

Coffee

No, coffee doesn’t cause cancer, which is good news for coffee fanatics. In fact, even better news is that research shows that drinking coffee regularly could reduce the risk for specific kinds of cancer, including liver, uterus and prostate cancer.

Fluoride

You can find this ingredient in mouthwash and toothpaste, along with other products. It may also be present in drinking water. While there have been concerns for how it can cause cancer, no direct link has been found.

Antiperspirant or deodorant

Both of these products are designed to help prevent odor, but antiperspirant keeps you from sweating while deodorant stops the smell. These products contain various chemicals that act similar to estrogen, which can cause cancerous cells to grow. However, no definite link has been found between the products and cancer.

X-rays

X-rays aren’t safe for the body, which is why doctors and dentists cover you with a lead blanket to keep the radiation away from your body. Higher doses of radiation lead to a higher risk of cancer. However, x-rays usually include a small amount and only slightly raise your risk.

Cleaning Products

Some cleaning products and other household items can increase your risk of cancer. The dangerous products are those listed as volatile organic compounds or VOCs. If they are listed as low-VOC, it means they are safer. You can look for products that say danger or poison, highly flammable, corrosive or highly combustible as an indication of what to stay away from.

Some of these items have been linked to cancer while others have not proven to carry a risk. It’s best to be careful and avoid certain products if you’re concerned.

A study done by the University of California at Riverside suggests that carcinogens in car seats may increase risk for developing cancer on long commutes. According to research, car seats contain TDCIPP, a flame retardant.

CBS News reported on the study, which raises the concern for people who spend longer times in their vehicles due to commutes to work or school. People who are exposed to carcinogens long-term may have an increased risk for developing cancer.

What is TDCIPP?

This chemical is technically known as chlorinated alkyl phosphates. It’s used in automotive seating and upholstery as a fire retardant. It’s also been used in the pads on infant changing tables and nursing pillows. It was once used in pajamas for children, but it was eliminated because it caused serious side effects. However, it’s still one of the most common additives for baby products.

The chemical can get into the air and mix with dust in a home. It can fall onto various surfaces in the household, including toys. Children who put the toys in their mouth may ingest the chemical. TDCIPP can also land on food, which would allow adults to ingest it. With vehicle upholstery, the dust could be breathed in because of the closed space.

It can be difficult to eliminate exposure to this chemical, especially when it comes to driving or riding in a car. However, you may be able to limit your exposure in other ways by reviewing the materials in the products you buy. TDCIPP is found in polyurethane foam. You can choose cotton, polyester or other natural fabrics that are safer and don’t contain foam.

TDCIPP was added to Proposition 65 in California, which is a list of chemicals known to cause cancer. This chemical was added in 2013, but it’s still being used in vehicles. The study showed that elevated risk came from just a week of commuting.

The Study and Participants

The study used about 80 participants, all of whom were students with commutes of about 15 minutes up to over two hours. The participants wore silicone wristbands as part of the test for five days. Airborne contaminants are attracted to silicone. The research team believes that the chemical then migrated to the participants’ systems.

The team plans to conduct another test with more participants of various ages. They plan to study ways to protect those who must commute daily from exposure. At the present time, they recommend dusting the inside of the car regularly to remove any excess dust. The Environmental Protection Agency also has guidelines on how to limit exposure to contaminants, though they may not be specific to TDCIPP.

The concern goes beyond what information was learned in this study to the possible impact for those who spend years with daily long commutes. Some people travel for one or two hours every day or more for many years. The potential for long-term effect is still an unknown until more research is done on TDCIPP and commuters.

A partial ban against flavored e-cigarettes went into effect on February 6th, 2020. Numerous vaping products will be taken off the market.

Fewer Products Available

The intended ban was announced back in September 2019 by federal officials. The original goal was to remove all flavored products except tobacco. The final policy was announced publicly on January 2nd. The result is less inclusive than what original intentions appeared to be with several exceptions being allowed, including menthol.

According to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the final policy represents the results of research into which flavors were more enticing and used with teens and kids. Critics say the policy doesn’t do enough to stop vaping among teens or to curb the epidemic in existence.

The policy isn’t a law and it doesn’t act as a new ban. Rather it is enforcing what has already been in existence. The agency will look at enforcing the policy case-by-case to utilize its limited resources where it’s most needed. The top priority will be on vaping products in cartridges that have flavors other than menthol or tobacco. These cartridges are often known as pods, which fit within the vaping product.

Disposable vapes aren’t included in the policy or the liquids that go with them. According to the FDA, the policy is designed to focus on vaping products for kids without taking them away from adults who vape.

Alarming Vaping Rates

The reason behind the focus on the pods is because they are easy to use and hide, which makes it more appealing to teens who are vaping for the first time. They also have a high concentration of nicotine and are readily available. The agency will continue to go after manufacturers that target their marketing to teens and underage vapers or those who don’t have adequate policies in place to prevent access by minors.

Studies indicate that over five million students in high school and middle school are using vaping products. According to research from the FDA, over one-fourth of high school students are using as of 2019. This percentage is up from just over 10 percent in 2017. It is the hope of the FDA and other agencies that the numbers will go down with stronger enforcement of the policy. The agency also says it will begin inspections of manufacturers as well as retailers to ensure they are in compliance with the policy.

One of the concerns of critics is the unpredictability of what teen vapers will do with the policy in effect. They doubt that it will completely stop vaping among minors. Instead, they are more concerned with where underage vapers will go. They may choose to use menthol or tobacco products or move to disposable systems. They are doubtful that it will stop them from vaping, especially since some of them are using the alternative products now.

Black market products may also become a concern, which the FDA says they are keeping a watch for even now. They will also monitor how the policy affects adult vapers.