This Invisible Problem Is Increasing Our Cancer Risk—These Expert Tips Can Help

Cancer. That dreaded C-word that no one wants to hear uttered by a medical professional. Yet, it seems more prevalent than ever. In 2020, there were an estimated 19.3 million new cancer cases and, devastatingly, 10 million cancer-related deaths worldwide. This disease is the first or second leading cause of premature death in 134 out of 183 countries.

Over the last few decades, researchers have learned more and more about this wide-ranging disease. But it seems the more we learn, the more questions we’re left with. What causes the various types of cancers? How do we avoid them? Is there a way to better diagnose and treat affected patients? 

It will take decades to uncover the answers to these questions. What we do know, however, is that exposure to specific substances and factors can lead to uncontrollable cell growth within the body. 

Tobacco chemicals are a prime example. Another is ultraviolet radiation from the sun. If we avoid smoking and protect ourselves from the sun, we decrease our risk of cancer. 

The point is that by being aware of the dangers of specific products and environmental factors, we can take steps to prevent their harmful impact. 

The average person spends around 90% of their time indoors and breathes around 20,000 breaths per day. Have you ever really sat down and considered what’s in it, though? 

Chances are, it’s packed with all sorts of things. Dust, pet dander, dust mite fragments, pesticides, mold spores, bacteria, VOCs, PFAS, mycotoxins, chemicals, radon, and more. How does all of that impact your health? 

Let’s take a look at VOCs alone. According to the EPA1, indoor levels of VOCs can be 2 to 5 times higher than outdoors on average. Short-term exposure to these compounds can lead to eye, nose, and throat irritation, as well as headaches and dizziness. Chronic exposure to VOCs can lead to central nervous system and organ damage. Some can even cause cancer. 

As one study states, ”...human tissues, including kidney, liver, leukemia, nasal cavity, paranasal sinus, liver and bile duct, could be more involved in the development of cancers or tumors when people are exposed to these VOCs through inhalation route in buildings over a long period of time.”

Related read: 7 Ways To Clear Your Home's Air Of PFAS, VOCs & Other Irritants

VOCs are just one piece of the puzzle. What about the countless other invisible threats circulating through our indoor air? Much more research is needed to better understand how our indoor air impacts our health and the relationship it has with cancer development. 

As you may have guessed, the harmful impact of air pollution on the lungs can result in cancer and is one of the major focuses of current research. The UICC reports that around 7 million deaths each year are linked to air pollution, with lung cancer being one of the leading causes of death.

That said, our lungs aren’t the only organs negatively impacted by toxic air. Emerging research has also begun to link air pollution to various cancers, including bladder, breast, liver, kidney, brain, and pancreatic cancers. 

At the moment, the main focus has been assessing how tiny particles, called fine particulate matter or PM2.52, impact the body. These can range from soot, dust, smoke, mycotoxins, bacteria, and more. The main problem with these tiny airborne particles is that they can penetrate deep into the lungs and enter the bloodstream, significantly raising cancer risks. 

These are just a few instances showing how pollutants in your air can impact health and potentially lead to life-altering conditions like cancer and more. These same studies have also found that certain groups of people are more vulnerable to cancer risks from polluted air. Older adults, children, and those with existing health issues are particularly vulnerable.

One interesting note from many researchers is that there is no completely safe level of air pollution. 

With buildings being built tighter than ever to promote energy efficiency and chemicals being added to everyday items like furniture, our indoor spaces are becoming toxic bubbles. 

Highlighting the increased risk of cancer due to air pollution isn’t intended to cause harm—it’s intended to create greater awareness about the importance of working to promote healthier air. 

So, what can we do to create healthier, cleaner air? Lots of things! 

Exercising, eating a balanced diet, getting enough sleep, reducing stress, and avoiding harmful substances are all ways to decrease the risk of developing cancer. Another often neglected step is breathing clean air. The fewer substances in our air, the healthier it will be for our bodies. 

Promoting healthy indoor air quality will benefit humanity as a whole. With chronic disease and cancer rates increasing, this will be a key component to living healthier lives and preventing illness. It’s high time we started paying attention to the greatest route of exposure we face and actively working to ensure it promotes wellness rather than harming our bodies.