What materials should be avoided to reduce the risk of developing cancer due to exposure to harmful chemicals like formaldehyde, benzene, or heavy metals (e.g. lead or cadmium)?

Materials to Avoid to Reduce Cancer Risk

To reduce the risk of developing cancer, you should avoid exposure to formaldehyde, lead, cadmium, diesel engine exhaust, and cobalt with tungsten carbide, as these materials have been linked to various types of cancer through environmental and occupational exposure. 1

Formaldehyde

Formaldehyde is one of the most concerning carcinogenic materials that people may encounter in everyday life:

• Cancer risk: Classified as a Group 1 carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) with "sufficient" evidence for causing nasopharyngeal cancer and leukemia in humans 1
• Common sources:
  • Pressed wood products (particleboard, plywood, fiberboard)
  • Certain insulation materials
  • Glues and adhesives
  • Some household products and furnishings
  • Vehicle exhaust (particularly concerning in traffic-congested areas) 2

Studies show that inhalation of formaldehyde within vehicles may be associated with increased cancer risk, with a high percentage of commuters having a significant probability of exceeding cancer risk thresholds in traffic-congested areas 2.

Heavy Metals

Lead

Lead exposure has been associated with increased risk of several cancers:

• Cancer risk: Most consistent evidence for stomach cancer (30-50% increased risk), with some evidence for lung, kidney, and brain cancer 1
• Common sources:
  • Lead-based paint in homes built before 1978 (especially before 1960)
  • Contaminated soil near highways or homes with exterior lead paint
  • Plumbing pipes and fixtures in older homes
  • Toys and furniture painted before 1976
  • Certain hobbies (stained glass, jewelry making) 1

Lead paint hazards are present in 67% of housing units built before 1940,39% of units built from 1940-1959, and 11.4% of units built from 1960-1977 1.

Cadmium

• Cancer risk: Associated with lung cancer risk in occupational settings and environmental exposure 3
• Common sources:
  • Cigarette smoke
  • Contaminated food (especially rice and vegetables grown in contaminated soil)
  • Certain jewelry items (particularly children's jewelry) 1
  • Industrial emissions

Diesel Engine Exhaust (DEE)

• Cancer risk: Classified as Group 1 carcinogen with "sufficient" evidence for lung cancer and "limited" evidence for urinary bladder cancer 1
• Common sources:
  • Vehicle exhaust, particularly from diesel engines
  • Areas with heavy traffic or near highways
  • Occupational exposure in mining, railroad, and trucking industries

Studies show consistent positive associations for lung cancer across various occupational settings, with positive trends in lung cancer risk correlating with increasing DEE exposure 1.

Cobalt with Tungsten Carbide

• Cancer risk: Classified as Group 2A carcinogen ("probably carcinogenic to humans") with evidence for increased lung cancer risk 1
• Common sources:
  • Hard-metal industry products
  • Certain tools and machinery
  • Some medical implants

Practical Steps to Reduce Exposure

1. Home environment:

   • Test homes built before 1978 for lead paint and address hazards professionally
   • Ensure proper ventilation when using products containing formaldehyde
   • Choose low-VOC (volatile organic compound) products for home renovation
   • Use HEPA air filters in areas with poor air quality

2. Consumer choices:

   • Check children's products for toxic chemicals before purchasing
   • Avoid costume jewelry that may contain cadmium, especially for children
   • Choose solid wood furniture over pressed wood products when possible
   • Ventilate new furniture, carpets, and other items that may off-gas formaldehyde

3. Occupational safety:

   • Follow workplace safety protocols when working with hazardous materials
   • Use appropriate personal protective equipment
   • Ensure proper ventilation in work areas with chemical exposure

4. Transportation:

   • Minimize time spent in heavy traffic when possible
   • Use vehicle air recirculation in high-traffic areas
   • Consider air purifiers for vehicles if you have long commutes 2

Special Considerations

Certain populations may face higher risks from these materials:

• Children: More vulnerable to lead and other toxic exposures due to developmental sensitivity and hand-to-mouth behavior
• Occupational groups: Laboratory technicians may have 20% higher cancer risk from formaldehyde exposure; police officers working in traffic may have higher benzene exposure 4
• Residents of older homes: Higher risk of lead exposure from deteriorating paint and plumbing

By being aware of these materials and taking steps to reduce exposure, you can significantly lower your risk of developing cancers associated with environmental chemical exposures.