We’ve written before about some of the hazards of common household cleaners. One study revealed that repeated exposure to bleach and ammonia can reduce lung function in women. Well, it stands to reason that if these substances can damage one type of tissue, it will also damage others.
New research is backing up that theory. One study has shown that household products can also raise your risk of developing papillary thyroid cancer.
The thyroid gland is responsible for producing hormones that regulate the body’s metabolic functions. Disrupting the thyroid can, therefore, have negative effects on all manner of bodily functions over time. Rates of thyroid cancer are now among the most rapidly rising types of cancer, statistically.
In recent years, experts have been closing in on the conclusion that consistent exposure to stressors over time is a major cause of all types of cancers. Any tissue, when it is stressed mechanically or chemically, slowly loses its resistance to the disease. Because the body is always fighting developing cancers, it stands to reason that stressed tissues would be the first to develop measurable tumors.
Researchers have narrowed down the primary causal factors of thyroid cancer to flame retardant materials.
In the late 1970s and the 1980s, there was a major push to incorporate flame retardant materials into furniture, curtains, carpet and other items made largely from fabric. According to scientists from Duke University, these flame retardants are causing the spike in thyroid cancer.
They found traces of flame retardant in the dust in homes which is being inhaled by the inhabitants. Flame retardant particles are gradually released from fabrics as they are used normally over time. These particles are slowly released into the air and are breathed in.
In other words, every time you sit on your couch, walk across your carpet, put your head down on your pillow, or open and close your curtains, you are releasing dangerous flame retardant particles into the air you breathe.
The culprit is polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDE), a class of flame retardant which impairs the endocrine system. The two most common types found in the study are also those most commonly used in household furniture items. They are decabromodiphenyl ether (BDE209) and tris(2-chloroethyl) phosphate (TCEP).
These two chemicals are used in furniture cushions, carpet backings, mattresses, upholstery textiles, couches, chairs, strollers, nursing pillows and much more.
The researchers checked their results by taking blood samples from the participants in their study and checking for the bio markers of the flame retardants PBDE and BDE209. The bio markers include specific physiological responses to these substances once they have found their ways into the system.
These same bio markers are known to have strong connections to thyroid cancer. Their overall finding is that persons with high levels of PBDE and BDE209 bio markers are 400% more likely to develop thyroid cancer.
The dangers of synthetic fabric and cushions have been known for some time. This includes an increase in the rates of lung cancer for persons who use foam pillows as well as polyester sheets and clothing.
Of course, the truth is that just about everything in the home has the ability to damage your health in one way or another- and every degradation in your general physical health means an increase in the risk for all types of cancer.
But here at Health Scams Exposed, we do not like to leave you without some kind of solution. Not surprisingly, the best way to address any risk of cancer is not just to avoid the cancer cause du jour. The best way to avoid cancer is to maintain your overall health and to keep your immune system strong.
Regularly consuming powerful immune boosters like raw garlic, onions, blueberries, spinach, and many other types of superfoods is key. What’s more, you should avoid all refined sugars- and shy away from bread, pasta and carbohydrates.
Regular exercise is important. It doesn’t have to be especially vigorous. But you want to get the body moving for at least 30 minutes every day. Get outside, get some sunshine on your skin for 30 minutes or more. A simple daily walk around the block will improve your chances of staying healthy significantly.
~ Health Scams Exposed
