Medical studies consistently focus on environmental risks associated with cancer. Cancer-causing carcinogens are found in our homes and where we work, and even at the doctor’s office. Carcinogens naturally occur and are in the air we breathe and the water we drink. While many factors affect one’s risk of developing cancer, including a genetic predisposition, our environment is key.
Cancer is a term for diseases in which the growth and mutation of abnormal cells in the body as a result of carcinogenesis, or toxins that attach to DNA and develop into tumors. There are many types of cancer, including leukemia which starts in blood-forming tissue such as bone marrow.
This year, over half a million Americans will die from cancer. Cancer is the second most common cause of death in the United States, accounting for one in every four deaths, according to latest statistics by the American Cancer Society.
The National Toxicology Program published a list of environmental carcinogens proven to be causes of cancer. Among the items on their list were benzene exposure and asbestosis.
Exposure to benzene can put you at risk for leukemia. You can be exposed to benzene by driving in traffic, pumping gas, cigarette smoke, or working directly with the substance at an industrial facility. The Texas Transportation Institute reported that Los Angeles, New York, Chicago and Atlanta were cities with the highest amount of traffic congestion in 2007.
According to the National Center for Environmental Health, people are at risk for exposure to benzene when waiting in traffic, with levels of exposure currently untested and unknown. The seriousness of traffic-related benzene exposure depends upon a variety of factors, including someone’s pre-existing health issues.
In 2006, the FDA found that eight carbonated beverages contained levels of benzene that exceeded federal standards including Crystal Light. The FDA asked manufactures with the highest levels to reformulate its products in order to reduce the benzene count.
Additionally, exposure to asbestos has been linked to lung cancer and mesothelioma. Asbestos has been detected in air, soil, drinking water, food, medicines and vehicle brake linings.