Common Carcinogens in Your Everyday Life—and How to Avoid Them

Content medically reviewed by Bassim Kobrossy, MD

Cancer-causing substances—also known as carcinogens—can appear often in your daily life, sometimes in unlikely places. How often do you encounter these carcinogens, and is there anything you can do to reduce your exposure to them?

“Understanding carcinogens can be complex,” said Dr. Bassim Kobrossy, oncologist and hematologist at Essentia Health. “Exposure to a carcinogen does not mean you will develop cancer. Many factors are involved, including the amount and duration of exposure and your genetic makeup. But everyone can take steps to reduce their cancer risk in their everyday lives.”

What Are Carcinogens?

Several national and international agencies perform research and analysis to determine whether a substance is a human carcinogen. The most widely used system comes from the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), which is part of the World Health Organization. The group has evaluated more than 1,000 possible cancer-causing substances over several decades, categorizing them as –

• Group 1: Carcinogenic to humans
• Group 2A: Probably carcinogenic to humans
• Group 2B: Possibly carcinogenic to humans 
• Group 3: Not classifiable (unknown)

Because categorizing carcinogens is challenging, the majority fall between groups 2A and 3. However, a little more than 100 substances are classified as Group 1.

Another organization called the National Toxicology Program (NTP), formed by several government agencies including the National Institutes of Health, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, also performs research on carcinogens, updating its report every few years. About 250 substances are on the list, with 63 deemed “known to be human carcinogens.” The rest are categorized as possible carcinogens.

It’s important to keep in mind that exposure to a known carcinogen does not necessarily lead to cancer.

“Cancer can develop from many different factors, such as your genetic makeup and lifestyle habits, including lack of exercise, diet, and tobacco and alcohol use, as well as other exposures to carcinogens,” Kobrossy said. “But exposure must be prolonged or extensive to cause cancer.”

6 Common Carcinogens

Being exposed to carcinogens can increase your risk of developing certain kinds of cancer over time. Knowing where you might encounter these substances in your everyday life can help you reduce your risk.

1. Alcohol

The more alcohol you drink, the higher your risk for developing some cancers, including mouth, throat, esophagus, liver, and breast. Dietary guidelines recommend limiting alcoholic beverages to one per day for women and up to two per day for men.

2. Household Products

Some common products used in homes, such as cleaners, paint, aerosol sprays, air fresheners, and wood preservatives, contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These are chemicals that certain solids and liquids emit as gases into the air. While research on the effects of VOCs on health is ongoing, studies show a link between exposure to these chemicals and several types of cancer. When using products that contain VOCs, follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully and ensure the area is well-ventilated. For paints and solvents, only buy what you need and avoid storing the containers for lengthy periods.

3. Outdoor Air Pollution

Exposure to particulate matter in the air can put you at higher risk for lung cancer over time. Organic chemicals, acids, metals, soil, and dust particles make up this type of air pollution, which can come from vehicles, forest fires, and other sources. Check the air quality index before spending large amounts of time outside and avoid running along busy, congested roads. Stay inside on days when air quality is poor. Other airborne chemicals, such as carbon dioxide and nitrogen dioxide found in diesel exhaust, are also linked to lung cancer. Avoid spending time around idling engines, such as buses, to help protect yourself.  

4. Processed Meats  

Research shows eating processed meats can raise your risk of colorectal cancer. These are meats that are cured, salted, or smoked, or contain added chemical preservatives. Examples include ham, bacon, sausage, deli meats, hot dogs, and pepperoni. Many experts recommend not eating these foods or eating them only occasionally.  

5. Tobacco  

Quitting smoking and the use of all other tobacco products, as well as avoiding secondhand smoke, can greatly reduce your risk of lung cancer and several other types of cancer.

6. Ultraviolet (UV) Rays

Exposure to UV rays from the sun or tanning beds is a major risk factor for skin cancer. To help protect yourself, apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher to exposed skin anytime you are outdoors, and avoid tanning beds. “By staying informed and being proactive, you can help protect yourself and lower your risk of some cancers,” Kobrossy said. “Talk to your health care provider if you have concerns about exposures.”