Carcinogens, substances known to cause cancer, should be avoided. Fortunately, scientists are aware of some of the compounds that cause cancer, and being knowledgeable about them can help people to evade such substances and their consequential harm.
Carcinogens in Food
Used as a preservative in processed meats such as bacon and sausage, sodium nitrite is a known carcinogen. According to research published in a 2007 issue of Delicious Living, nitrites, when heated, convert to nitrosamines, which are carcinogenic when consumed regularly. Research in Science News elaborates upon this idea, asserting that nitrosamines form in the presence of acid, which is especially foreboding given the acidic environment in the stomach.
Aside from the sodium nitrite found in processed meats, the artificial sweetener aspartame, which is contained in popular diet sodas, is known to be carcinogenic as well. In fact, a recent study published in Environmental Health Perspectives found that aspartame led to an increased risk of cancer, even when consumed in low doses.
According to Brad Long, RPH, of Rite Aid Pharmacy, “Other common preservatives found in processed foods may or may not be cancerous; some studies show that they are, while others show that they are not, but the most overwhelmingly carcinogenic compounds in the food we eat are sodium nitrites and aspartame, which are both easily-avoidable” (B. Long, personal communication, July 1, 2010). That being said, further research must be conducted to determine additional diet-related carcinogens, but for the time being, consumers would be wise to avoid processed meats and diet sodas.
Carcinogens Related to Lifestyle Factors
Aside from cigarette smoking, which is clearly carcinogenic due to the smoke containing numerous noxious compounds, using tanning beds is a lifestyle factor also known to cause cancer. In 2009, the International Agency for Research on Cancer deemed tanning beds to be “carcinogenic to humans,” removing them from their previous category of “probably carcinogenic to humans” (as cited in Koerting, 2009). According to Mark Naylor, M.D., who teaches dermatology at the University of Oklahoma, sunlight is also clearly carcinogenic to humans (as cited in“sun exposure,” 2000).
Because tanning beds are known to be carcinogenic, people would be wise to avoid them, as well as sunlight, which likely poses a cancer risk as well. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends applying sunscreen 15 minutes prior to sun exposure to avoid damage (as cited in Gerber, 2010).
Damage from the sun and from ultraviolet radiation is avoidable, much like the carcinogenic compounds found in foods. By removing these known carcinogens from their lives, people can save themselves from potential health crises in the future.
References:
C.M. (2007). Sodium nitrite. Delicious Living, 23(11), 17.
Gerber, J. (2010). Lather up to stay safe: Sunscreen reduces the risk of skin cancer and sun damage. Free Press.
Koerting, K. (2009). Study: Using tanning beds is a cancer risk. Connecticut Post.
Mead, N. (2006). Sour finding on popular sweetener. Environmental Health Perspectives, 114(3), 176.
Nitrates, drugs, and drinking water. (1975). Science News, 108(11), 169.
Sun exposure classified as carcinogen. (2000). Dermatology Times, 21(9), 23.
Jennifer Long - Jennifer Long holds a bachelor's degree in psychology from the Ohio State University and has completed research projects in the field.
