Photo Credit: “a p p l i e d” by Jesse Wright

What are carcinogens?

Carcinogens are substances or exposures that cause or aggravate cancer.

Where can I find them?

Carcinogens can be found in foods, beauty products, or even cell phones. It was also recently reported that carcinogens were being found in Brazilian blowouts, a popular salon hair straightening process.

Do carcinogens cause cancer immediately?

Generally, no. But different carcinogens have different cancer-causing potential. Some may cause cancer quickly while others require more prolonged exposure.

What are some known carcinogens?

• Naphthalene, found in tanning beds, mothballs, and coal tars.
• Formaldehyde, found in many beauty products.
• Aspartame, found in soft drinks as an artificial sweetener.
• o-Nitrotoluene, found in dyes.
• Aluminum, found in antiperspirants.

For a full list, check out Cancer.org.

What can I do to limit my exposure?

Eat organic foods and choose organic or natural hair products. Read ingredient labels and become educated about what you’re putting on and into your body.

Src: http://www.epa.gov/OCEPAterms/cterms.html