This Invisible Problem Is Increasing Our Cancer Risk—These Expert Tips Can Help
That dreaded C-word that no one wants to hear uttered by a medical professional. Yet, it seems more prevalent than ever. In 2020, there were an estimated 19.3 million new cancer cases and, devastatingly, 10 million cancer-related deaths worldwide.
What Causes Cancer?
Researchers have learned more and more about this wide-ranging disease. But it seems the more we learn, the more questions we’re left with. What causes the various types of cancers? How do we avoid them? Is there a way to better diagnose and treat affected patients?
The Hidden Dangers of Indoor Air Pollution
One aspect that has not garnered attention, and one you probably haven’t considered, is the air you breathe. Exposure to pollutants in the air can increase the risk of developing cancer. The average person spends around 90% of their time indoors and breathes around 20,000 breaths per day.
The Impact of VOCs and Particulate Matter on Cancer Risks
Let’s take a look at VOCs alone. According to the EPA, indoor levels of VOCs can be 2 to 5 times higher than outdoors on average. Short-term exposure to these compounds can lead to eye, nose, and throat irritation, as well as headaches and dizziness.
Be Mindful of Your Environment
Think about what locations you spend the most time in. Now, here’s what might be in the air: Inside your home, VOCs from cleaning products, furniture, and paints; NO₂ from gas stoves; PM2.5 from candles, cooking, and dust buildup.
At work, office buildings with poor ventilation can have elevated VOCs from carpets, office furniture, printers, and cleaning products, as well as PM2.5 from HVAC systems and a myriad of other sources.
Public spaces, gyms with high VOC levels from cleaning products or PM2.5 from microbial sources due to increased moisture; retail stores with off-gassing from new products and materials.
Schools & daycares, older buildings may have poor ventilation, leading to higher concentrations of NO₂ and VOCs from materials, cleaning products, and school supplies.
One interesting note from many researchers is that there is no completely safe level of air pollution. As the European Environmental Agency states, “There are no safe exposure levels for key cancer-causing pollutants like PM2.5, which means that even minimal exposure contributes to increased cancer risk.
Expert Tips to Improve Indoor Air Quality
Here are some expert tips to help you improve indoor air quality and reduce the risk of cancer:
1. Use a HEPA air purifier to remove particulate matter and VOCs from the air.
2. Avoid using strong chemicals and opt for natural cleaning products instead.
3. Improve ventilation in your home by opening windows and using fans.
4. Use a dehumidifier to reduce moisture levels and prevent microbial growth.
5. Consider using a water filter to remove impurities from your drinking water.
6. Regularly inspect and maintain your HVAC system to ensure it’s working efficiently.
7. Consider using a mold remediation service to remove mold and mildew from your home.
Conclusion
Improving indoor air quality is crucial for reducing the risk of cancer. By being aware of the dangers of indoor air pollution and taking steps to improve ventilation and reduce pollutant levels, you can help protect yourself and your loved ones from this invisible threat.
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