Top Ten Environmental Health Tips From 2007

According to the National Cancer Institute, two-thirds of cancer are related to our environment. Yesterday, we listed our top ten nutrition tips based on 2007 studies. Today we share our tips from studies that evaluated environmental risk and cancer.

10. Raise your awareness about environmental chemicals.

The Silent Spring Institute, in conjuction with Harvard University, the University of Southern California, and Roswell Park Cancer Institute, reviewed all animals studies that suggest a link between chemicals in our environment and breast cancer. Over 60 of these are found in common household products! Links to the study, including a list of the chemicals found suspect are available. We also created a table listing some of the common items these chemicals are found in, and alternatives available.

9. Purchase a water filter.

The news this year has frightened many, as they discovered municipal wells in their communities are contaminated by carcinogens. The study above also lists chlorinated water as a breast cancer carcinogen in animals. Having a water filter eliminates the need to worry.

8. Find a wet-cleaner or liquid CO2 cleaner, and skip the drycleaner.

Perchloroethylene, used in chemical drycleaning establishment, is a carcinogen, and those who work in drycleaning establishments have an elevated risk of developing cancer. To find alternatives by zip code, check out our August 28, 2007 blog entry.

7. Don't mix infant formula with fluoridated water.

The American Dental Association has adviced against the use of fluoridated water in infant formula. Not only does fluoridated water in formula fail to protect babies teeth, but can actually damage them -- while at the same time increasing later risk for osteosarcoma, a rare bone cancer.

6. Limit cell phone use in children.

While the jury is still out on the safety of cell phone use in children, many European countries have recommended children minimize use until more is known. Isn't the skyrocketing childhood obesity rate in the USA reason enough to follow suit?

5. Avoid products containing phthalates.

Several phthalates, plasticizers found in a wide range of products, have been banned or restricted for use in childrens products in Europe. Recently, California followed the lead and placed a similar ban. Ideally, look for products which carry the label "Phthalate free."

4. Go organic and avoid home and garden pesticides.

A Canadian study recently demonstrated an elevated risk of developing non-Hodgkins lymphoma in those exposed to organochlorine pesticides. Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma has been steadily increasing in frequency in the U.S.

3. Choose lipstick without lead.

A scan of the headlines recently - which listed lipsticks containing lead, left us wondering how we can know whether or not a product is safe. For starters, check out the Environmental Working Group. This website has product information on thousands of personal care products, and not only lists carcinogens, but gives them a grade of one to ten based on safety.

2. Weigh risks and benefits of any medical procedure using radiation.

Earlier this year, cancer risk to women undergoing coronary angiography surfaced. More recently, the use of CT scans in children was again brought to the table, and it is felt that as many as 2 percent of all cancers may be related to CT scans given now. These tests can save lives, but warrant a careful discussion of risks and benefits with your healthcare provider. Questions to consider asking are listed in our July 25, 2007 blog entry.

1. Let the sun shine in!

Studies this year have vitamin D on center stage basking in the spotlight. Vitamin D has be associated with significant reductions not only in breast cancer, but colon cancer and now lung cancer as well. The magic number appears to be in the realm of 1000 IU's per day, something quite difficult to obtain by diet alone. Ten to fifteen minutes in the sun (without sunscreen) on most days, can result in the absorption of this cancer preventing dose. Canada, with a latitude where absorption of vitamin D in the winter is quite low, and a climate discourages exposure to the sun, a daily supplement of vitamin D has been recommended.

***2007 also marks the year where a renowned epidemiologist on the "inside," has shared her knowledge explaining why we fail to hear about so many measures we could be taking to lower our risk of cancer. Our thanks to Dr. Devra Davis for "having the guts" to publish "The Secret History of the War on Cancer," and to the Center for Evironmental Oncology at the University of Pittsburgh.

For more practical tips on the environment and cancer prevention, buy Avoiding Cancer One Day At A Time.