People born within a three-decade window have a greater risk of developing cancer. The Daily Mail reported last week that an analysis of tens of millions of diagnoses found millennials (born between 1986-95) and Generation X (1965-85) were more likely to develop 17 forms of cancer than the post World War II Boomer generation.
Which is bad news for all of us… But there are small changes we can do to reduce the risk – including something as simple as switching to non-toxic cleaning products. Read on to discover more…
The Rising Threat of Cancer
Cancer rates are on the rise, with predictions of an 80% global rise in cases from 2020 to 2050. This alarming trend affects us all. There are many reasons driving this increase including lifestyle changes, obesity and binge drinking – but increasing chemical toxicity exposure also plays a part. The good news is, there are small changes you can make today to help reduce your risk of chemical exposure, simply by switching to non-toxic cleaning products.
Cancer Risks: The Alarming Statistics
Back in 2015, The British Journal of Cancer reported that people born after 1960 have a greater than 50% lifetime risk of developing cancer. In 2019, the World Health Organization (WHO) outlined strategies to prevent new cancer cases and reduce the then predicted 60% increase. (Unfortunately this prediction has already been exceeded).
One of their key recommendations was to control tobacco use, as it is responsible for 25% of cancer deaths. Tobacco use has reduced; but did you know that certain cleaning products can be just as harmful as tobacco?
The Hidden Dangers in Conventional Cleaning Products
Many cleaning products contain carcinogens and harmful chemicals that are not always listed on the label. Fragranced products and air fresheners, for example, often have high levels of toxic chemicals. Some preservatives in these products can release formaldehyde, a known carcinogen. Even everyday cleaners can emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that damage your health.
The Impact on Cleaning Operatives
The statistics are shocking:
- A ten year study found that cleaning operatives using conventional products are 58% more likely to develop lung cancer than office workers: Health risks in the cleaning industry: a Belgian census-linked mortality study.
- A twenty year study by the University of Bergen in Norway published in The American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, reveals alarming findings: some cleaning products can be as harmful to the lungs as smoking twenty cigarettes a day. This is concerning news for both professional cleaners and those who clean their own homes. Cleaning at Home and at Work in Relation to Lung Function Decline and Airway Obstruction – PubMed (nih.gov).
The results showed that women who clean, whether at home or professionally, experienced a faster decline in lung function compared to those who do not clean. The study suggests that long-term exposure to cleaning chemicals can harm the respiratory system and cardiovascular markers. This exposure may cause low-grade inflammation, leading to chronic airway obstruction and accelerated lung function decline.
10 to 20 years of using cleaning chemicals can be as damaging as smoking a pack of cigarettes daily for the same duration.
So, why risk it?
These findings highlight the urgent need to minimise harmful exposure from cleaning products. They are worth taking note of, even if you don’t work in the cleaning industry but are the one that always does the cleaning at home.
Why Choose Non-Toxic Cleaning Products?
To protect yourself and others, consider making the switch to non-toxic cleaning products that are free from harmful chemicals. The Provilan range of probiotic cleaning products offers a safer alternative. These products:
- Contain no carcinogens or dangerous toxins.
- Are plant-based, vegan, and non-polluting.
- Safe for respiration and indoor air.
Take Action for a Healthier Future
Why risk your health by continuing to use products that could cause serious illness? By choosing non-toxic cleaning products, you can reduce your risk of cancer and create a safer environment for everyone.
Discover safe home cleaning products.
