Acrylamide and cancer risk

Acrylamide is a chemical that forms in certain foods when cooked at high temperatures (greater than 120^oC). The major foods in which acrylamide has been detected are fried or roasted potato products, coffee and cereal-based products (sweet biscuits, bread, rolls and toast). Acrylamide is more commonly known as an industrial chemical used to prepare the polymeric material polyacrylamide, which is used for treating industrial wastewater.

Acrylamide has been shown to cause cancer in some studies in experimental animals and several studies are currently underway to better understand the significance of these results in relation to human health. So far, human studies have not identified substantive evidence linking the consumption of acrylamide (in amounts typically ingested by adults) with cancers of the alimentary or urinary tracts, or cancers of the airway, breasts or ovaries. Similarly, occupational exposure to acrylamide has not been shown to increase the number of new cancers in exposed workers.

In February 2005, the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives reviewed the available data on the safety of acrylamide and concluded that its presence in food may be a health concern but there is no direct evidence that acrylamide causes cancer in humans. Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) is keeping a watching brief on international developments regarding acrylamide and has undertaken a limited assessment of the dietary exposure of Australian consumers to acrylamide.

Most of the foods that may be sources of acrylamide are foods that it is not recommended that you eat in large amounts. If you eat a healthy diet you almost certainly are not going to have to worry about high levels of acrylamide.

Air fresheners and cleaning products cause cancer

Terpenes are a class of chemicals found in the essential oils of many types of plants and flowers. They are used in many consumer products either as solvents or to provide a distinctive scent, eg pine, lemon, orange. Although terpenes themselves are not considered toxic, some recent studies have shown that they may react with ozone to produce a number of toxic compounds including formaldehyde (ozone primarily enters the indoor environment from outdoor air pollution). (Link to formaldehyde information)

Ethylene-based glycol ethers are another chemical group used in cleaning products. Under ordinary circumstances, exposure to the ethylene-based glycol ethers, formaldehyde and fine particle will be at levels believed to be safe. However, as formaldehyde is also released from other sources found in most buildings, any increase in formaldehyde emissions is undesirable.

Be cautious about overusing products with high levels of ethylene-based glycol ethers and terpenes and always follow the instructions on how much to use. Ventilate rooms during and after use. The use of ozone generators and ionising air cleaners, especially where terpene-containing cleaning products or air fresheners are in use, should be avoided.

Antiperspirants increase the risk of breast cancer

It has been suggested that the chemicals in antiperspirants are absorbed through the skin and cause toxins to accumulate in the breast that eventually lead to breast cancer. There is currently no conclusive evidence linking the use of antiperspirants with the development of breast cancer. If you are worried use less and avoid using on broken skin. The Cancer Council NSW will continue to monitor this matter. The main risk factors for breast cancer are gender, age, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) use, and consumption of alcohol above the recommended levels.

Artificial sweeteners can increase cancer risk

There are variety of artificial sweeteners available, some of which have been said to increase the risk of cancer. Saccharin is the oldest, and probably best known, of the artificial sweeteners. In rats, high doses of saccharin can cause the formation of bladder stones that can lead to bladder cancer. However, saccharin does not appear to cause bladder stones in humans. If saccharin does increase cancer risk in humans, it does so at doses many times greater than those typically consumed. Large population studies have not reported increases in bladder cancers among people using saccharin, and the US National Toxicology Program has removed saccharin from the list of established human carcinogens (cancer causing substances).

Aspartame is a low-calorie artificial sweetener that is about 200 times sweeter than sugar. Currently there is no evidence linking the consumption of aspartame with increased cancer risk.

Bras can cause breast cancer

It has been said that underwire bras cause breast cancer by obstructing the lymph flow. There are no well-designed research studies that show a link between wearing, or not wearing, a bra and developing breast cancer.

Breast injuries can cause cancer

A bump or blow to the breast will not cause breast cancer although it may draw attention to an underlying lump. Having a breast injury may result in the breast being examined or followed more closely than usual.

There is a cure for cancer but the medical industry is
hiding it from the public

This conspiracy theory has been around for many years. Realistic retorts include the facts that many people in the scientific and medical industry (scientists, nurses, doctors etc) along with their families and friends, die of cancer at similar rates as everyone else in the population. Additionally, new cancer prevention and treatments methods are introduced into everyday health care on a regular basis. A good example of this is the recently discovered vaccine to prevent infection by the two main strains of Human Papilloma virus that are known to cause the majority of cervical cancers.

Finding one cure for cancer is unlikely because there are more than 200 different kinds of cancer each with its own name and treatment.

In Australia each year, more than 88,000 new cases of cancer are diagnosed. More than half of them will be successfully treated.  The survival rate for many common cancers has increased by more than 30 per cent in the past two decades.

My naturally dark (or olive) skin protects me from cancer

Though naturally dark people have a lower risk of skin cancer than fair-skinned people, this does not make them immune. Dark-skinned people can get skin cancer, although their skin cancers may develop in unusual places, for example black people may develop melanomas under their fingernails or on the soles of their feet.

Diesel causes cancer

Diesel exhaust is known to emit gases and small particles containing known carcinogens such as formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, dioxins and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Research studies link diesel exhaust to a slight increase in lung cancer in exposed workers. A few s tudies have also linked diesel exhaust to bladder cancer. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has found that diesel engine exhaust is probably carcinogenic to humans (Group 2A – limited evidence of carcinogenicity in humans and sufficient evidence of carcinogenicity in experimental animals) .

It is difficult to calculate the amount of exposure from the general environment and the amount directly from diesel exhaust, which shares similar physical and chemical characteristics with other air pollutants. This also complicates assessment of occupational exposures to diesel exhaust.

Exposure to diesel exhaust is part of everyday life for most people. In busy urban areas, exposure to low levels and short-term peak levels of diesel exhaust are often unavoidable. The number of vehicles on our roads is increasing.

Air pollution from diesel vehicles has health implications for everyone, but some people are more susceptible to this pollution including people with poor heart or lung function, and tobacco smokers. Additionally, it has been suggested that children are more susceptible because their lungs are still developing and they breathe at a faster rate than adults.

Reducing your exposure

You can help protect yourself by taking clean transport such as electric trains and light rail whenever possible, and when driving in high traffic areas close the windows and set the ventilation system to re-circulate the inside air. Avoid doing regular strenuous exercise in diesel polluted and high traffic areas.

Reducing occupational exposure

Higher exposures to engine exhausts may occur in some occupations, such as transportation and garage work, vehicle maintenance and examination, mining, traffic control and heavy equipment operation. Clear, thoroughly documented workplace practices and training can help reduce diesel exposure. Wherever diesel equipment is operated indoors, the area should be well ventilated. Roof vents, open doors and windows, roof fans, or other mechanical systems can be used to move fresh air through work areas. Attach a hose to the tailpipe of a diesel vehicle running indoors and direct the fumes outside where they cannot re-enter the workplace. Respirators should be an interim measure to control exposure to diesel emissions as required.

Diesel equipment operators should use enclosed cabins equipped with high efficiency particulate air filters to reduce exposure to diesel fumes. Routine inspection and regular maintenance of diesel engines is essential to keep exhaust emissions down. The manufacturer's recommended maintenance schedule and procedures should be strictly followed.

Advances in technology

In the past two decades, affordable changes in diesel engine technology (eg low-sulphur fuel and exhaust after-treatment) have resulted in reductions in diesel particulate matter and the harmful chemical and physical characteristics of diesel exhaust. The Australian Fuel Quality Standards Act 2000 includes requirements of fuel efficiency and the use of emission control technologies. The Fuel Standard (Diesel) Determination Act 2001 sets standards for the physical and chemical properties that must be met before diesel can be supplied for use in Australia.

Electric blankets cause cancer

For decades, researchers have been trying to find out whether electricity can increase your likelihood of developing cancer. The electromagnetic fields (EMF) produced by electric currents in powerlines and appliances may be the worry. However, the amount of EMF produced by appliances around the home is small so it is unlikely that they increase your risk of cancer.

Seven studies have been done specifically on electric blankets and six found no increased risk of cancer. While one study showed a slight increase in risk, results from a single study can be due to chance. If you are worried, warm up your bed with an electric blanket and switch it off before you get in.

Environmental and occupational carcinogens

It is important to understand that there will always be a level of unknown health risk with many commercial products. Thousands of products are marketed with a large number of ingredients that have not been, and may never adequately be, assessed for health risk by industry, government or independent experts. It is also very difficult to know whether some substances may act in a synergistic manner with other materials (the effects of the combined exposures may be more than the sum of the effects exposure to each material alone). Put another way, the wide range of interactions and the subsequent risk that may result from combining different materials may never be accurately understood.

The risk of cancer from environmental or occupational carcinogens is affected by how much of the substance a person is exposed to, its concentration, its form, the timing of the exposure (when and how long exposure occurs), other substances a person is exposed to, and individual sensitivity, which in turn can be influenced by age, sex, health status and genetic make-up. The health effects found in research studies are most often based on exposure to high levels of the pure form of a single substance.

At work

Although some degree of risk is an accepted part of life, it is important to have a sound knowledge of the cancer- causing chemicals or substances in each individual workplace. In Australia, employers are required to inform staff about the hazards of any chemicals in the workplace. All workplace safety precautions should be followed very carefully. Employers must provide material safety data sheets containing detailed information on chemicals, their health effects and advice on how workers should protect themselves.

At home

Since potential causes of cancer are still being discovered, reading labels carefully and following directions provided on everyday household products will help avoid any unnecessary exposure, or over exposure, to chemicals or other substances that may have the potential to cause harm. Most of the known environmental carcinogens won't cause cancer unless one is exposed to a great deal of the chemical over a period of time. If you are worried cut down, or discontinue, your use of commercial household chemicals and use alternatives such as lemon juice, white vinegar and bicarbonate of soda.

Naturally occurring carcinogens

Cancer causing agents aren't solely man-made. They can also occur naturally in the environment. For instance, asbestos, radon and arsenic are found naturally in the earth. Eliminating all man-made carcinogens wouldn't remove all the carcinogens in the environment.

Fake tans protect against skin cancer

Fake tanning lotions contain synthetic or vegetable dyes that temporarily colour the skin. Most fake tans do not provide sun protection . Those that do contain added sunscreen will protect only for a few hours after applying the fake tan and not for the length of time that the 'tan' remains . Sun protection with sunscreen, clothing, hats and shade is still needed.

Food preservatives and cancer

Nitrosamines and nitrosamides are carcinogenic substances but are allowed in small quantities in some foods at risk of being contaminated with harmful bacteria because the risk of adverse health effects from botulism (caused by this bacteria) is much greater than the risk of developing cancer from small amounts of nitrites. Food manufacturers wanting to use nitrites must show that nitrosamines will not form in hazardous amounts in the product under the additive's intended conditions of use. In addition, other antioxidants, such as sodium ascorbate or sodium erythorbate, may be added to inhibit the formation of nitrosamines.

Other food preservatives include s ulphites found in foods such as dried apricots, sausages and benzoates found in foods such as non-cola soft drinks, orange juice and cordial. An Australian study has showed that while the eating patterns of some people can lead to a high consumption of food preservatives, resulting in an intake above the recommended daily intake, there are no public health and safety concerns for the majority of people who regularly select a balanced diet that includes some foods containing preservatives.

Fluoride in water causes cancer

Fluoride occurs naturally in water and soil, virtually all water contains some amount of fluoride. Fluoride has been shown to prevent and even reverse tooth decay, and fluoride has been found to reduce the incidence of vertebral fractures. Currently, there is no clear association between water fluoridation and overall or specific cancer incidence and mortality. This is an understudied area. Very few studies include both natural and artificially fluoridated water.

Formaldehyde and cancer risk

Formaldehyde is a colourless, pungent chemical used in a number of manufacturing and chemical industries, and as a preservative in many types of products. Formaldehyde has been classified as a human carcinogen (cancer-causing substance) by the International Agency for Research on Cancer.

Workplace exposure

Workers in histology and pathology laboratories and in the garment industry are at risk for high levels of exposure to this chemical. However industrial hygiene measures are generally instituted to minimise exposure. The greatest risk for injury from formaldehyde is in workplaces with inadequate safety measures.

Research on workers exposed to formaldehyde suggests an association between formaldehyde exposure and an increased risk of cancers of the nasal sinuses, nasopharynx, brain and possibly leukaemia.

In the home or general environment

Air pollution is the greatest source of formaldehyde for the general population. Sources include cigarette smoke, emission from new plastic materials such as upholstery and carpets, pressed wood products (eg MDF) and fuel-burning appliances. In house fires, formaldehyde residues in fabrics and foams play a major role in the toxicity of the smoke.

Formaldehyde is found, at least in low concentrations, in most homes and workplaces. Many products that use formaldehyde contain very small amounts and may cause problems only for the few people who have extreme sensitivities. More important are those products that contain substantial amounts of formaldehyde and are used in large quantities throughout the house.

How to prevent formaldehyde exposure

Don't smoke. Strictly follow workplace industrial hygiene precautions. Read labels and product information. Ensure homes and workplaces are well ventilated , particularly after introducing new sources of formaldehyde. Wash clothing before use.

Hair dye gives you cancer

Personal use of hair dyes is not associated with a greater risk of developing cancer, according to researchers who summarised the current scientific knowledge on the subject (79 studies from 11 countries). The International Agency for Research on Cancer states that there is “inadequate evidence of carcinogenicity” from hair dyes. Occupational exposure to hair dyes was not assessed.

People who are worried about the health effects of hair dyes can minimise their exposure by using them less or not at all, wearing gloves when applying dye, having good ventilation, and using lighter colours or getting less frequent ‘touch ups'.

Natural alternatives from plants and minerals such as henna, black walnut shells, vinegar etc are not necessarily safer or gentler than modern hair dye formulations.

With the HPV vaccine, women don't need to worry about having Pap tests

While the availability of HPV vaccine is great news, the protection it offers is not complete. Girls and young women who are not yet sexually active will benefit most from the new HPV vaccine. However, because it targets just two of more than a dozen types of HPV that can cause cervical cancer, they will still need to be screened regularly through Pap tests when they are older. Regular screening through Pap tests is the first and primary weapon against this disease.

Infection doesn't cause cancer

Infection with the Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and Hepatitis C can increase the risk of developing liver cancer. Vaccination against HBV is recommended for all babies in Australia, and for certain high-risk adults, ie people who have unprotected sex with multiple partners and injecting drug users who share needles.

Human papilloma virus (HPV) is a virus that can lead to cervical cancer. Most people will have HPV at some time in their life and never know it. Both men and women are commonly infected with HPV, and pass it on without knowing it. The body's immune system usually clears the virus in around 12 months.

Although HPV is very common, most women with HPV will not develop cervical cancer. However, when certain HPV infections (especially types 16 and 18) take longer than usual to clear from the body, there is an increased risk of cervical cancer. When cervical cancer occurs, HPV is found in almost all cases.

The cervical cancer vaccine, Gardasil, which is currently available in Australia can prevent more than 70% of infections associated with the development of cervical abnormalities that can progress to cancer. Having the vaccine will protect those who have never been exposed to these types of HPV.

For more information go to Cervical Cancer Vaccine fact sheet

People with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) have an increased anal cancer, cervical cancer, liver cancer, lymphoma and a particular type of cancer called Kaposi's sarcoma. People who have unprotected sex with multiple partners and intravenous (IV) drug users who share needles have an increased risk of HIV.

Injuries such as falls can cause cancer

Falls and bruises never cause cancer. Sometimes people might visit the doctor for an injury and coincidentally a tumor is found during the examination; however the injury did not cause the cancer – it was already there.

 

‘Light' or ‘mild' cigarettes reduce the risk of getting cancer

Low-tar cigarettes, often labelled ‘light' or ‘mild' do not reduce the chances of developing tobacco-related cancers including lung cancer. Similarly, they do not reduce the chances of developing heart disease, emphysema, and other tobacco-related health problems. The only proven way to reduce the health risks associated with smoking is to quit as soon as possible.

Lipstick and cancer risk

Lipsticks can be made from a wide variety of ingredients that may include heavy metals, synthetic dyes, fragrances and preservatives and a range of other chemical stabilisers etc. Several of the identified ingredients used in some lipsticks are known to be harmful to human health at varying levels of exposure (most often high to very high levels). Some components are known to cause allergies in certain people. Other ingredients have been shown to be neurotoxic (damage the human nervous system); still others may be possible human carcinogens.

An independent cosmetic safety website called ‘Skin Deep' has been established to help members of the public identify the ingredients used in lipsticks and other cosmetics and make informed decisions on their use. http://www.cosmeticsdatabase.com/

The information in this US website has been built from a core of 37 toxicity and regulatory databases. Brand-by-brand safety ratings are available for more than 14,000 personal care products. The searchable database provides indepth information on shampoos, lotions, deodorants, sunscreens and other products from almost 1,000 different brands.

To search for lipstick, simply type the word ‘lipstick' into the search box. You will get around 300 different products that are rated from low to high hazard based on the individual ingredients alone; the concentrations of chemicals and compounds used in each lipstick are not provided. Neither are the possible interactions of the different ingredients once they are combined.

Likewise very little information is available on the method of absorption that is known to cause human harm such as whether applying particular ingredients to intact skin may be harmful to human health etc.

It is important to remember that harm from any chemical is determined by numerous factors including the dose, method/s of absorption and duration of exposure. Additionally, individual susceptibility and behaviours also play a role.

Concerned members of the public may want to take a look at the information provided on this website and, with the understanding that all the information necessary to provide definitive answers in relation to the potential human harm is not available, decide whether they would like to change a particular brand or even stop using lipstick altogether.

Man-made carcinogens are more dangerous than those that occur naturally

Cancer-causing agents aren't solely man-made. They can also occur naturally in the environment. For instance, asbestos, radon and arsenic are found naturally in the earth. Eliminating all man-made carcinogens wouldn't remove all the carcinogens in the environment.

Microwave ovens cause cancer

Damage to human DNA (genes) in body cells has been shown to increase the risk of developing cancer. Unlike the level and type of radiation used in nuclear weapons, the low frequency and type of radiation of microwave ovens does not carry enough energy to damage DNA.

Mobile phones cause brain cancer

All the better designed, and therefore most reliable, research studies indicate that there is no consistent link between mobile phone use and brain cancer.

Mobile phones use microwave electromagnetic energy to transmit and receive calls. When a mobile phone is in use energy is released as radiofrequency electromagnetic energy (RFE). RFE is not known to damage DNA and cannot produce cancer-causing mutations, however it has been suggested that it may increase the rate at which cancer develops.

If you're concerned about exposure to RFE try to limit your use of your mobile phone and choose a model that emits less radiation. Your dealer should be able to assist.

Hands-free systems, aerial shields and protective covers may reduce RFE exposure but the protective effect varies from device to device, and some systems have been shown to increase exposure.

Passive smoking doesn't harm non-smokers

A large amount of research evidence now shows that passive or involuntary exposure to tobacco smoke causes death, disease and disability including cardiovascular disease, lung cancer, and lung diseases such as emphysema, bronchitis and asthma. It has been shown that lifelong non-smokers with partners who smoke in the home have around a 20-30% greater risk of lung cancer than other non-smokers, and those exposed to cigarette smoke in the workplace have a 16-19% increased risk. Tobacco smoke is very effective at harming both smokers and exposed non-smokers.

PET plastic drink bottles when reused are a cancer risk

Polyethylene terephthalate or PET is popular with beverage manufacturers because it's lightweight and sturdy. However there are two chemical compounds used in the manufacture of PET bottles, di-ethylexyl adipate (DEHA) and di-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP), which have been rumoured to cause cancer. The good news is neither compound is classified as carcinogenic nor is there evidence of any negative effects on humans.

DEHA and DEHP in PET bottles degrade to a small extent but far below the safe levels specified by the World Health Organisation and National Health and Medical Research Council.

Freezing water in PET bottles certainly doesn't pose any threat, as chemicals do not diffuse as readily in cold temperatures.

PET bottles, and other non-microwaveable plastics, should never be heated in a microwave, standard or convection oven as there is a risk of chemicals being released that may be harmful. You should only use certified microwave-safe plastics in the microwave. Note: The potential health risks from heating plastics require temperatures substantially higher than temperatures inside a car in the Australian summer.

Photocopiers and cancer

Most current photocopiers use a variety of light sources. As glass transmits ultraviolet rays, copiers with ultraviolet-producing lights such as fluorescent, tungsten halogen or xenon flash will expose documents to a small amount of ultraviolet. The level of human risk is dependent on how the photocopier is used. Always use photocopiers according to the manufacturers' instructions. Keep the document cover closed at all times during photocopying to prevent light leakage. Where possible, prevent light exposure by using the automatic document feeder during photocopying.

Carbon black is the main ingredient in copier toner. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has concluded that there is inadequate evidence for the carcinogenicity of carbon black to humans and that there is sufficient evidence that carbon black is carcinogenic to experimental animals. The construction of toner containers is such that inhalation and contact with skin and eyes is minimised. Only individuals familiar with the risks involved should change toner. It is expected that there will be low public and occupational exposure to toners under proper use conditions. Once used in the copier, toner is fused to paper as a water insoluble polymer matrix, causing very low public and occupational exposure.

Electric and magnetic fields exist around all electrical equipment. Office workers are exposed to very small fields when using equipment such as photocopying machines and computer screens. Available scientific information does not indicate that exposure to these fields at levels normally encountered in the environment cause adverse health effects.

Plastic food wraps cause cancer

There have been a number of studies investigating the toxicity of PVC and its products (used in plastic food wraps and containers), absorption of the chemicals by the foods and potential carcinogenicity. Some studies have found low levels of di-ethylhexyl adipate (DEHA) when certain types of fatty foods wrapped in plastics, such as meat and cheese, have been ingested. T he amount of chemical absorbed by the food is dependent on the temperature of the plastic wrap and food, the duration of any heating, the type of plastic wrap used, storage time and initial plasticiser content, as well as the type of food.

The results of most studies show that the levels of plasticiser that might be consumed as a result of the use of plastic wrap are well below the levels showing toxic effect in animal studies.

The International Agency for Research on Cancer states DEHA is not classifiable as to its carcinogenicity to humans. Meaning there is currently inadequate evidence to suggest that this compound causes cancer.

Preventing unnecessary exposure

Since the risk to humans of plasticisers (and other chemicals) found in plastic wrap and plastic containers remains uncertain because of a lack of research evidence, preventing unnecessary exposure to chemicals that may be absorbed by foods is recommended:

• Ensure the plastic wrap that you purchase is manufactured from UV stabilised food grade polyethylene/PVC, which complies with Australian Standard AS2070.
• Do not use plastic wrap in the microwave unless it is labelled as microwave safe.
• Be sure to follow the manufacturer's directions in relation to its use/reuse and only use plastic wraps for their intended purpose.

To minimize exposure to chemicals from plastics as much as possible, use inert containers such as heat-resistant glass, ceramics and stainless steel during any type of cooking or heating of foods.

All you need to beat cancer is a positive attitude, not treatment

Evidence linking positive attitude and cancer survival is weak. However, maintaining a positive attitude can lead to improved treatment adherence as well as healthier lifestyle behaviours, such as increased physical activity, improved dietary patterns and a reduction in smoking. Cancer treatment greatly reduces the risk of cancer spreading, prolongs survival and in many cases cures the cancer.

Powerlines increase the risk of cancer

Electromagnetic fields (EMF) are the by-product of electric currents in powerlines and electric appliances. It is the magnetic part of these fields in particular that many people worry is linked with cancer risk.

English researchers, who examined all the available studies on people living near sources of EMF and increased risk of cancer, found that it is possible that children under 15 years who have heavy exposure to EMF for a long time may have a higher risk of leukaemia. The usual risk of leukaemia in children is about one in 1400, and this exposure could increase the risk to one in 700. The evidence for this is not conclusive.

Transmission lines, the powerlines on large steel towers, produce the strongest magnetic fields. Distribution lines, the powerlines on smaller concrete or wooden poles by the road, that carry a lot of electricity can cause quite strong fields too.

The amount of EMF from powerlines falls as you move further away, and once you are 200 metres away, you are out of range. If you are worried about powerlines in your neighbourhood, you could measure the magnetic field in your house. The Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA) has magnetic field meters for hire which can be used to measure exposure. The cost is $25 for use over a few days, plus $5 postage to anywhere in Australia. The hire agreement can be downloaded from the website http://www.arpansa.gov.au/emfhire.htm, or you can phone ARPANSA on (02) 9545 8333.

If you find a high magnetic field in parts of your house, there are things you can do apart from moving house. Sleeping in a part of the house that is as far away as possible from the source will minimise exposure.

Electric appliances around the home

It is unlikely that electrical appliances around the home increase your risk of cancer because the amount of EMF from them is small. But if you are worried, there are a few simple steps you can take to reduce exposure to EMF:

• Don't sleep with an electric blanket switched on – just use it to warm up the bed before you get in.
• Sit at least 50cm away from your TV screen.
• Don't have your bed against a wall that has an electric hot water service on the other side.

For more information visit the ARPANSA website http://www.arpansa.gov.au/index.htm

Solariums offer a safe alternative to getting a tan

Solariums are enclosed sun beds built with light tubes that release ultraviolet (UV) radiation from above and below the body. Solariums release UVA and UVB radiation. Even small doses of UVA and UVB damage the skin, contribute to the ageing process and can lead to skin cancers.

Smokers only lose a couple of years off old age

Tobacco use wipes off around 14 years of healthy life with smokers dying prematurely of one or more of a range of tobacco-related diseases. Around a quarter of all smokers die in middle age. On the other hand, stopping smoking buys years. It has been estimated that giving up at ages 60, 50, 40 or 30 gives potentially 3, 6, 9 or 10 years of life respectively – years that would otherwise be lost to smoking-related disease.

Stress and anxiety cause cancer

Quite a few studies have failed to find any evidence that people who tend to be anxious or stressed are any more likely to develop cancer than people who are more relaxed. There does not appear to be any such thing as a ‘cancer-prone personality'.

For more information read Stress and Cancer fact sheet

 

Sunscreen alone can prevent skin cancer

For maximum protection from sunscreens the instructions on the bottle should be followed very carefully, but even then sunscreen does not offer 100% protection from developing skin cancer. S unscreen should always be used in combination with clothing, hats and shade.

Surgery causes cancer to spread throughout the body

This myth may have started years ago when doctors performing surgery to find the cause of a patient's illness often found an advanced cancer that could not be successfully treated. The surgery was then blamed for the patient's death. In reality, surgery to remove cancer is often an essential part of cancer treatment and before embarking on a procedure aiming to excise a tumour, patients undergo investigations to ensure that the tumour is indeed removable and is located in a place that allows safe excision. Special techniques are employed during surgery to ensure the removal of tumours in total to prevent cancers from spreading.

If you tan and don't burn you don't have to worry about skin cancer

A tan actually represents skin damage. The skin has become brown in response to ultraviolet radiation from the sun. Even when there is no peeling or redness, there's still cell (DNA) damage, which increases cancer risk.

Tattoos can cause cancer

There is no evidence to link tattoos with cancer directly. However, there is an increasing variety of dyes and pigments being used in tattooing, most of which have not been investigated for human health risk when applied intradermally (deep within the skin). The compounds used as pigments range from metal oxides to synthetic organic dyes.

There are several indirect cancer risks from tattoos. Dark tattoos can make it difficult to detect and treat cancerous skin lesions such as melanoma. It's also important to note that tattoos do not protect your skin from ultraviolet (UV) radiation from sunlight.

Tattoos applied using non-sterile equipment and needles can transmit infections that may lead to cancer, such as Hepatitis B and C (chronic viral hepatitis is associated with an increased risk of liver cancer) and HIV (which has been associated with an increased risk of a range of cancers including non Hodgkin's lymphoma and Kaposi's sarcoma). While all Australian states and territories regulate invasive body art procedures in some form, they do so only to minimise the risk of blood-borne infections. There has been no attempt to regulate the use of tattoo inks and the pigments used in them.

People with tattoos need to be careful to examine their skin for changes, just like those who aren't tattooed. All people considering a tattoo should be aware of the potential risks involved so they can make an informed decision.

Teflon cookware gives you cancer

The chemical perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), which is used in the manufacture of Teflon, has been shown to cause cancer and other health problems in laboratory animals but there is no direct evidence that PFOA is harmful to humans. Also, there is no evidence that any of the chemical remains in the non-stick surface of the final product.

According to the Australian Government's National Industrial Chemicals Notification and Assessment Scheme (NICNAS) fumes can be released from Teflon-coated cookware when it is heated to extremely high temperatures (340 °C - 650 °C ); temperatures so high they would incinerate your food. There is no direct evidence that fumes are released form cookware at or below normal cooking temperatures.

Further studies need to be undertaken before we'll know definitely if Teflon has any harmful health effects. In the meantime it is advisable not to overheat an empty non-stick pan or to leave it unattended on the stove particularly at a high setting.

Treatment for cancer is not safe for elderly people

More than 55% of cancers occur in people aged 65 years or older. A number of studies have found that older patients are less likely to receive a comprehensive treatment for their cancer. Treatment choices are just as important to the elderly as they are to all cancer patients. Age alone should never be the factor that affects decisions about standard cancer management. It has been found that cancer treatment in the elderly is remarkably safe, provided that other existing health problems are also adequately addressed.

We need a lot of sun to get Vitamin D

Vitamin D is found in food and can also be made in the body after exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun. Without vitamin D, bones can become thin, brittle and lose their shape. Exposing the face, arms and hands to the sun for 10 minutes in summer, 15-20 minutes in spring and autumn and 30 minutes in winter (outside peak UV times) provides enough vitamin D. The safest time to get vitamin D is either side of the peak UV period (10am-2pm or 11am-3pm daylight saving time). Short bursts in the sun (outside peak UV times) are better for making vitamin D than long periods of exposure. Exposure to the sun when the UV Index is 3 or above greatly increases the risk of developing skin cancer.

 

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Last updated June 2007