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X-rays
Your
dentist covers you in a lead blanket for a reason. Even low doses of X-rays
raise your chances of getting cancer, but only by a small amount. In general,
the higher the dose of radiation, the more the risk. But there’s no amount of
this kind of radiation that’s totally safe. That’s why the EPA limits how much
you can get
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Cell Phones
This gadget, which you
keep near all the time, gives off the same type of energy as microwave ovens.
So far, it hasn’t been linked to cancer, but more research is needed. Just to
be safe:
·
Save it for short
chats or when there’s no landline.
·
Use a hands-free
device.
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Meat
Whether it’s processed or red, you need less of
it in your life. Just one hot dog a day could boost your chances of
getting colon cancer. Luncheon meats, cold cuts, and hot dogs all have
preservatives called nitrites, which cause cancer. Smoking meats or cooking
them at a high temperature creates compounds called PAHs. Studies are under way
to see how they affect people.
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Bottled Water
If your bottle is clear plastic, it probably
has bisphenol A (BPA). This chemical is used in food and drink containers,
dental sealants, and other products. Does it cause cancer? The FDA says no, BPA
is safe at current levels found in foods. If you’re concerned, avoid canned
foods and store chow and drinks in clear plastic. For hot food, use glass or
steel instead.
v Sex
It’s true. Human
papillomavirus (HPV), the most common sexually transmitted infection, can cause
cervical and other cancers. Most adults who have sex will get this virus at
some point. But they won’t all get cancer. Most of the time, HPV goes away by
itself. To lower your risk:
·
Get vaccinated if
you’re a female aged 11-26 or a male aged 11-21.
·
Use condoms during
sex.
·
Have sex with only one
partner.
·
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Dental Fillings
·
Don’t call the dentist to have your metal
filings removed and replaced. Experts say your current ones are safe. Studies
have found no link between fillings with mercury and cancer -- or any other
disease.
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Coffee
If you feel your day doesn’t really start until
you’ve had a shot of caffeine, you’ll love this. New research shows that
drinking moderate amounts of coffee (around four cups daily) lessens the risk
of some types of cancer, among them skin, liver, and colon.
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Deodorant and Antiperspirant
Scientists say more research is needed to know
for sure if these products boost the odds of breast cancer. They have different
jobs -- deodorant blocks the smell and antiperspirant stops sweat. Many use
chemicals that act like the hormone estrogen, which causes cancer cells to
grow. These include benzylparaben, butylparaben, methylparaben, and
propylparaben.
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Fluoride
This compound is found in water and other
drinks and in food, toothpastes, and mouth rinses. Though many studies have
looked for links between it and cancer, most researchers says there’s no strong
tie. If you’re worried about it, you can ask the Environmental Protection Agency
how much is in your drinking water. If it’s high, switch to bottled spring
water, which usually has the least.
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Household Products
Many pesticides, paints, varnishes, and
waxes give off gases known as volatile organic compounds (VOCs). So do
some cleaning, cosmetic, automotive, and hobby products. These gases have been
linked to cancer in humans and animals. To cut your risk choose products
labeled low-VOC and biodegradable when possible. Avoid items labeled as:
1) Danger/Poison
2) Corrosive
3) Severely Irritating
4) Highly Flammable
5) Highly Combustible
6) Strong Sensitizer
Power Lines
Anything that makes, sends, or uses electricity
gives off extremely low frequency (ELF) radiation. There’s no proof that it
causes cancer. Still, the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences
says there’s cause for “limited concern.” To be safe, stay at least an arm’s
length away from electrical devices. If you live close to a power line and
you're worried, get a gizmo called a gaussmeter. You can use it to measure the
ELF fields near you.
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