Carcinogenic substances: New risk factors discovered
The US Department of Health and Human Services has a list of 265 factors created that can increase the risk of cancer. These factors include Viruses, chemicals, certain foods and ingredients, radioactivity, X-rays and alcohol. New factors were added to the list in December 2021.
1. Helicobacter pylori
Helicobacter pylori is a bacterium, that stomach ulcers can cause. Infection with the bacteria can increase the risk of stomach cancer. Therefore, those affected should be treated as quickly as possible.
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2. Antimony trioxide
Antimony trioxide is a flame retardant found in Textiles and plastics is used. It has carcinogenic potential. The use of antimony trioxide should be avoided if possible in order to reduce the risk of cancer.
3. Halogenoacetic acids
Haloacetic acids are carcinogenic substances that are a byproduct of… Disinfection of drinking water can arise. In the future, changes to drinking water disinfection will be necessary to reduce exposure to haloacetic acids.
The US Department of Health and Human Services has six haloacetic acids included in the official list of carcinogenic substances:
- Bromochloroacetic acid
- Bromodichloroacetic acid
- Chlorodibromoacetic acid
- Dibromoacetic acid
- Dichloroacetic acid
- tribromoacetic acid
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Cancer: Known risk factors
Cancer occurs due to a number of factors including Damage to the genetic material. This damage can be caused by the natural cell division, errors in cell metabolism or lifestyle caused. An unhealthy lifestyle, like one unhealthy diet, obesity, smoking, alcohol consumption and lack of exercise, increases the risk of cancer.
Hereditary factors also play a role in the development of cancer, but they are only the cause in about 5% of cases. Although some genes can increase the risk of certain types of cancer, the main causes of cancer are usually environmental and lifestyle factors.
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