by Wellesley
Cancer Prevention Project
IN GENERAL
1.
Use sunscreen.
2.
Don’t smoke or
allow smoking in your home.
3.
Be physically
active, eat fruits and vegetables, and minimize alcohol intake.
4.
Read and understand
the labels of all the products you buy.
5.
Dispose of toxic
products properly – at the Recycling Facility on Hazardous Waste Day.
6.
Educate
Yourself…
IN PARTICULAR,
REMEMBER,
LOOK IN YOUR
GARAGE
7.
Avoid using
synthetic chemicals on your lawn such as pesticides which often contain
possible or probable carcinogens. Maintain your lawn using natural
processes.
8.
Do not allow
pesticides to be used inside the house. Use or ask for non-toxic pest
control.
9.
Avoid strong
solvents and glues, many of which may contain known carcinogens.
10. Use lumber that is
not pressure treated with arsenic (CCA), a known carcinogen.
LOOK IN YOUR
CLOSET
11.
Use current
alternatives to traditional dry cleaning methods; avoid the use of
PERC.
12. Use cedar products
to discourage moths; do not use moth balls.
LOOK IN YOUR
BATHROOM
13.
Use nail polish
that does not include the chemical ‘phthalate’, a possible
carcinogen.
14. Use non-chlorine
bleach cleaners to reduce environmental dioxin, a known carcinogen.
LOOK UNDER THE
KITCHEN SINK
15.
Read the label on
cleansers; many cleansers are known to contain potential carcinogens. If a product says ‘CAUTION’ or
‘WARNING’, or ‘HAZARD,’ look
for a less toxic alternative.
16. Use cleansers made
from natural products or make your own with Baking soda. Baking soda can
be used to clean drains, toilet bowls, ovens, kitchen surfaces, bath tubs,
tile surfaces.
LOOK IN YOUR
SHOPPING BASKET
17.
Purchase organic
foods to avoid pesticide contamination to yourself and the farmers.
18.
Purchase unbleached
paper products; these products reduce the amount of dioxin (a known
carcinogen) released into the environment.
19. Limit consumption
of smoked or nitrate/nitrite treated foods (e.g. hot dogs).
WHEN PREPARING
FOOD
20. Thoroughly wash and
peel non-organic produce, especially if it is waxed and/or dyed. Discard outer pieces of
lettuce.
21. Eat foods low in
fat and/or trim fat from meat, fish and poultry where toxins are often
stored.
22. Microwave food
products in microwavable containers; don’t use plastic wraps.
The Wellesley
Cancer Prevention Project is a nonprofit, nonpartisan group that studies
the relationship between cancer and the environment in the suburban
setting with the goal of reducing health risk factors for the citizens of
Wellesley. The Wellesley
Cancer Prevention Project was founded in 1997 and advocates for public and
private policies that support appropriate precautionary measures and the
prevention of disease.
