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Many natural and unnatural chemicals are toxic and capable of causing cancer. As a result, there is currently a great emphasis on minimizing our exposure to polluting chemicals and pesticides. Although researchers at the University of California claim that the latter are not a significant problem. They say that 99.99% of the pesticides we eat are produced by the plant itself and are natural. The remaining 0.01% are man-made agricultural pesticides. Nevertheless, as much as half of these natural pesticides that have been tested caused cancer in rodents. This is attributed to the fact that the chemicals are tested at the maximum tolerated dose, an extremely high level, but this does not mean that they are carcinogenic at the trace levels consumed by humans. Rather this is a worst case risk assessment. Although many synthetic pesticides have been linked to cancer – 16 organochlorines to breast cancer alone – we simply don't know exactly what danger they pose. According to a CSIRO researcher, the danger of all man-made pesticides is considerable because: The adverse effects of some of these chemicals at high intakes have been clearly shown Some accumulate in our body to dangerously toxic levels. All toxic chemicals are increasing the burden of gene-damaging agents that are already challenging our health. A good example of gross danger is from diocin, a by-product of pesticide manufacturing, which is linked to cancers at a stunningly low concentration of 2.1 parts per quintillion ( one quintillion = one million million million). In 1989 the US Natural Resources Defence Councel (NRDC) alleged that some 5,500 - 6,200 children may develop cancer later in life from exposure to just eight pesticides during their preschool years. One of the most carcinogenic natural chemicals is aflatoxin, which is sometimes found in mouldy peanuts. Because it is so strongly carcinogenic, government food inspectors test peanuts for it regularly. Much milder is the carcinogenic tendency with cured meats. Ham, bacon, corned beef, red frankfurter sausages, hot dogs, salami, etc., are cured with sodium nitrite, some of which converts in the stomach to carcinogenic nitrosamines. The chlorine added to town water supplies for disinfection has its problems. Traces convert to chloroform which is carcinogenic. Long hot showers also produce traces of chloroform. The solution is simple: Drink purified water, fit a shower filter and keep the bathroom windows wide open during showering, with exhaust fan on if available. Some medical drugs have turned out to be carcinogenic. One of the best known is diethylstilboestrol (DES).a synthetic oestrogen. In the 1970s, six Australian girls developed vaginal cancer as a result of their mothers taking this drug, and numerous cases resulted in the US. The cancer took 10 - 20 years to develop. The household pollution that results from an unflued heater burning oil, gas or coal can double the risk of cancer of the voice box, according to a German cancer expert. Certain chemicals, including some medications, can indirectly contribute to skin cancer. Asbestos has long been known to cause a very nasty cancer: mesothelioma, which takes, on average, 37 years to develop. Fibreglass may be in a similar category. In 1994 the US FDA listed fibreglass as a likely carcinogen for lung cancer. As with asbestos, there are fibres so fine - less than 3 microns - that they can enter the tiny air sacs of the lungs and remain there indefinitely. This does not necessarily signify danger for people living in homes with fibreglass insulation in the roof, but it would be wise to close any air gaps in the ceiling and periodically check the condition of the fibreglass. About the Author: Adrian Joele became interested in nutrition and weight management while he was an associate with a nutritional supplement company. Since 2008 he wrote several articles about nutrition and weight loss and achieved expert status with Ezine Articles.com. He has been involved in nutrition and weight management for more than 12 years and he likes to share his knowledge with anyone who could benefit from it. Get his free report on nutrition and tips for healthy living, by visiting: http://www.nutrobalance2.net
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cancer, chemicals, pesticides, toxic, gene-damaging, feberglass,
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