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Children, the environment and cancer
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Children, the environment and cancer
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*** 1 ***
Children, the environment and cancer
Much of the research on the links between the environment and cancer has focused on exposure in adults. There has been less research looking at the impact of these links early in life – either while the fetus is in the uterus or after a baby has been born.
This information is important because researchers believe that children may be more vulnerable to substances that may increase the risk of cancer, cause birth defects, or interfere with the normal hormonal system in the body. There are several reasons for this:
* Children may absorb more environmental contaminants because they breathe, eat and drink more than adults relative to their body weight.
* Children, especially infants and toddlers, sit more often on the ground and crawl to explore areas where adults typically don't go. As they do, they often put their hands and fingers into their mouths.
* There are periods during normal human development when exposure may pose more harm than during other parts of life. For example, the risk of developing cancer is greater among children exposed to radiation than it is for adults exposed to the same amount of radiation.
* There is a possibility that studies looking at exposure to cancer-causing substances in adults or animals may underestimate the risks of cancer in children. Specific studies in children will help us to better understand what children are being exposed to and can help identify risk factors for specific cancers over time.
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Re: Children, the environment and cancer (Re: Dr. Faisal Mohamed)
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*** 2 ***
What you can do about cancer and the environment
To reduce exposure to cancer-causing substances in the environment you could ask your local government to put policies in place that will specifically protect both children and adults from exposure to environmental contaminants. For example:
* by-laws to eliminate the use of ornamental pesticides on lawns and gardens
* policies that would encourage manufacturers to clearly label all products, including cosmetics, household cleaning products and other products, so you can make informed choices.
There are some precautions you can take to reduce your exposure to environmental contaminants:
* Eliminate or limit exposure to potentially harmful and cancer-causing substances by buying non-toxic materials (e.g. non-toxic glue and paint).
* Follow manufacturers’ directions about using and storing hazardous chemicals safely.
* Wear protective clothing while handling hazardous products and wash your hands immediately afterwards. It’s especially important to wash the hands of children frequently as they are more likely to put their hands in their mouths.
* Until scientific evidence can clarify the link between exposure to magnetic fields from high voltage power lines and cancer risk, you may not want your children to play directly beneath them for long periods of time on a regular basis.
* Read more about radon gas and asbestos.
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Re: Children, the environment and cancer (Re: Dr. Faisal Mohamed)
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*** 3 ***
Environmental risk factors for cancer
Cancer can take many years to develop. In fact, it can appear 20, 30 or even 40 years after exposure to something that is known, or suspected, to cause cancer.
A risk factor is something that increases the chances of developing a disease. There are many factors that contribute to the development of cancer. Some of these, such as age, gender or genetic predisposition to cancer, cannot be changed or modified. However, there are risk factors that can be modified and many of these are related to exposure to natural or man-made substances in the environment.
Risk factors for cancer include:
* tobacco use
* physical inactivity
* obesity
* poor diet
* exposure to ultraviolet radiation (e.g., sunlight, tanning beds)
* exposure to certain viruses, hormones, or chemicals in the air, soil or water
Known risk factors account for at least half of the most common types of cancer.
These factors often can be modified through a combination of individual action and healthy public policy. If a risk factor is modified it means the chances of developing cancer can decrease.
Currently, we know the risk factors for most of the common types of cancer. For example, using tobacco is a risk factor for developing lung cancer. Tobacco use is unquestionably the single most preventable cause of cancer.
For some cancers, few risk factors are known. The incidence of testicular cancer in men and non-Hodgkin lymphoma in women is on the rise and there is no single, clear explanation for the increase.
It has been suggested that environmental contaminants may play a role in the development of some cancers, but current scientific evidence has not been able to confirm or rule out a relationship in many instances. This is a subject of continuing scientific investigation and debate.
There is currently a lot of debate about how many cancers are related to exposure to cancer-causing substances in the environment. While the exact percentage of cancers associated with this type of exposure is not known, it does suggest that people who are continually exposed to known or probable cancer-causing substances in the environment, generally have a higher risk of developing cancers.
Among the environmental chemical contaminants known to cause human cancer, most were discovered among those exposed in the workplace.
Preventing cancer depends on identifying factors that increase or decrease risk. The next step is to take action, including putting policies in place so that people can benefit from preventative measures. For example, smoking bans to protect people from the harmful effects of second-hand smoke, and banning cosmetic use of pesticides.
Wherever possible, exposure to substances that are known, or believed, to cause cancer should be identified and eliminated by substituting safer alternatives. When elimination is not possible, exposure should be reduced to the lowest possible levels. Other actions include:
* Avoiding known and probable cancer-causing substances.
* Monitoring people’s exposure to cancer-causing substances. This will allow potential relationships between exposure and cancer risk to be identified. And this will lead to actions to reduce exposure where it may pose a threat to human health.
* Disclosure by manufacturers or government of known and probable carcinogens in consumer products. And use of standard labeling/symbols to help the public make informed choices.
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Re: Children, the environment and cancer (Re: Dr. Faisal Mohamed)
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*** 4 ***
Reducing your risk of cancer
Risk reduction is taking action to reduce or “cut down” your individual risk of developing cancer. Risk can be increased or decreased by the lifestyle choices you make or the kind of environment you live and work in. But even a person at low risk may get cancer, just as a person at high risk may not.
Low risk does not mean that you won’t get cancer, it means that the chances of getting it are small. High risk means that your chances may be higher, but it does not mean that you will develop cancer.
There is no single cause of cancer but some factors appear to increase the risk of developing it. These are known as risk factors. There are some risk factors that you cannot change. For example:
* age
* family history of cancer (heredity)
There are some risk factors related to everyday choices that you can change. You can choose to:
* Be a non-smoker and avoid tobacco smoke.
* Eat a healthy diet.
* Be physically active every day.
* Stay at a healthy weight.
* Limit alcohol use.
* Reduce your exposure to UV (ultraviolet) rays from the sun or indoor tanning equipment, like tanning beds.
* Know your body and report any changes to your doctor or dentist.
* Follow health and safety instructions when using hazardous materials at home and at work.
As stated by the precautionary principle:
“When an activity raises threats of harm to human health or the environment, precautionary measures should be taken even if some cause-and-effect relationships are not fully established scientifically.”
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Re: Children, the environment and cancer (Re: Dr. Faisal Mohamed)
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*** 6 ***
Specific environmental contaminants - I
People should not be exposed to known or probable cancer-causing substances at home, at work, or in their environment.
Wherever possible, exposure to substances that are known, or believed, to cause cancer should be identified and eliminated by substituting safer alternatives. When elimination is not possible, exposure should be reduced to the lowest possible levels.
The current List of specific environmental contaminants includes:
* Air pollution
* Asbestos
* Chlorinated water
* Cosmetics labelling
* Electromagnetic fields
* Pesticides
* Radiation
* Teflon and non-stick cookware
* Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs)
* Phthalates
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Re: Children, the environment and cancer (Re: Dr. Faisal Mohamed)
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*** 7 ***
Specific environmental contaminants - II
Air pollution
Pollutants in the air vary from location to location based on local emissions or emissions that move from other regions. Some of the components of air pollution can be cancer-causing.
Current research supports an association between urban air pollution and a small number of cancers of the respiratory system. There is stronger evidence showing an increased risk of respiratory disease, including bronchitis and pneumonia in older people due to air pollution, and asthma in young people. Air pollution can also cause aggravation of existing lung conditions.
More toxic substances come from smoking than from air pollution. Some research suggests that smoking has stronger carcinogenic effects on the lungs of smokers who live in cities. It may be that pollutants in the urban air make tobacco smoke even more carcinogenic.
Reducing air pollution by limiting emissions and encouraging alternative practices in industries and by individuals is one way to decrease the cancer risk associated with air pollution. For example, industries may be able to implement cleaner processes that result in fewer emissions. Individuals might occasionally consider walking, taking the bus or car-pooling instead of driving because transportation is a major source of air pollutants. The single most effective way to reduce urban air pollution is by the development of mass transit systems using the best available pollution reduction technologies.
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Re: Children, the environment and cancer (Re: Dr. Faisal Mohamed)
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*** 8 ***
Specific environmental contaminants - III
Asbestos
Asbestos is a fibrous mineral that is strong, heat resistant, and inexpensive. Chrysotile, or white asbestos, is the most commonly used form of asbestos in the world. It is found in almost all asbestos-based products available today, and is used in products such as building materials and water and sewer pipes.
Exposure to asbestos is associated with an increased risk of lung cancer, mesothelioma, asbestosis, possibly laryngeal cancer and cancers of the gastrointestinal tract, and other diseases.
Exposure is highest for people who mine asbestos or work with it in manufacturing, so the risk of developing cancer is also potentially the highest in these groups. Those who are exposed to asbestos and who use tobacco are at even greater risk of developing lung cancer.
The World Health Organization has not been able to determine whether there is any safe level of exposure to asbestos for humans (a safe level means the person exposed would not have an increased risk of cancer because of the exposure).
Researchers have identified safer alternatives for some uses of asbestos. However, since it is still possible to breathe in small particles while using alternatives to asbestos, safety precautions to protect workers must still be followed carefully when the products are being used.
For the general public, take the following precautions if you are handling small amounts of encapsulated asbestos:
* Consider hiring a contractor with experience in removing asbestos.
* Keep other people away and seal off the work area.
*Keep asbestos-containing materials intact. Do not break them up.
* Wear a good quality dust mask and overalls, which should be washed afterwards. Shower thoroughly after completing the job.
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Re: Children, the environment and cancer (Re: Dr. Faisal Mohamed)
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*** 9 ***
Specific environmental contaminants - IV
Chlorinated water
Clean drinking water protects individuals from illnesses caused by bacteria and other microbes that can exist in untreated water. These illnesses include cholera, giardiasis (beaver fever) and sickness caused by the bacteria Escherichia coli (E.coli, which can cause diarrhea, abdominal cramps and sometimes more severe illness).
Chlorination has been in use for more than 100 years to disinfect water to make it suitable for drinking. It is a relatively inexpensive and easy to use.
For decades, researchers have studied the long-term effects of using chlorinated tap water and most have found a link between chlorinated water and an increased risk of cancer, particularly cancer of the bladder.
Health agencies and authorities should have guidelines about water chlorination that help ensure people receive as much benefit as possible from clean drinking water while reducing the health risks to the lowest possible level.
The risk of cancer from water chlorination is moderate when compared to the many health benefits of clean drinking water. However, many individuals are exposed to this risk and the level of risk may vary depending on where you live. It is important to ensure that safeguards are in place and that alternatives are used where possible.
Why we disinfect drinking water
Access to clean drinking water is essential for good health. Clean drinking water is virtually free of harmful microbes (microbes are organisms too small to be seen by the naked eye, such as bacteria, parasites and viruses). Drinking water disinfection has virtually eliminated waterborne diseases, making the water generally safe for human consumption.
Failing to treat water correctly can have disastrous results:
Not following updated national guidelines for water treatment could cause an outbreak of severe diarrhea.
Failing to follow the guidelines for operating wells could lead to an outbreak of the E. coli bacteria.
Ground water (water from underground wells) is generally free of harmful microbes since the earth acts as a natural filter. Municipal groundwater usually requires less complicated treatment than surface water before being delivered to homes, but still needs some disinfection while it is in the delivery system (from the treatment plant to your tap).
For most public water systems, it is important to disinfect water before it enters the water treatment facility and while it is in the facility (“primary disinfection”) and to maintain a safe level of disinfection throughout water delivery to homes and businesses (“secondary disinfection”). Disinfection throughout the delivery system is important to prevent small numbers of microbes from re-growing, and to kill or inactivate microbes that may enter the system during the distribution of water.
Chlorine kills or inactivates most harmful microbes and is an effective primary disinfectant. In addition, the effects of chlorination last throughout the water delivery system from the treatment facility to the tap in your home, making chlorine an effective secondary disinfectant as well.
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Re: Children, the environment and cancer (Re: Dr. Faisal Mohamed)
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*** 10 ***
Specific environmental contaminants - IV
Chlorinated water
Risks of water chlorination
The majority of scientific studies have concluded that exposure to chlorinated water over long periods of time slightly increases the risk of bladder cancer. Some studies have found links to colorectal and possibly some other cancers as well. In a review conducted by a working group made up of scientific experts in 1998, 10 of 11 studies found an increased risk of bladder cancer. Of these, 5 were statistically significant - meaning the results were unlikely to be due to chance. All 5 found an increased risk of bladder cancer. This expert working group concluded that it was possible or probable that chlorinated water caused an increased risk of bladder cancer. A more recent review of the best available research confirmed the association with bladder cancer, especially among men.
Though chlorine is a strong chemical, chlorine itself is not the main cause for concern in drinking water. When chlorine combines with organic matter (such as dead leaves and soil) present in untreated water, it forms new chemicals that remain in the water. These are called chlorine disinfection “by-products”. The amount and types of by-products that are formed depends on several factors, including the quality of the untreated water and the amount of chlorine used to treat the water.
Several chlorination by-products are considered possible cancer-causing substances. Trihalomethanes (THMs) and haloacetic acids (HAAs) are the most common chlorination by-products. Animal studies on individual THMs and HAAs have found that some can cause cancer in laboratory animals.
THMs are the most-studied group of chlorination by-products. Chloroform is an example of a THM, and the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) considers it a possible cancer-causing substance in humans. People can be exposed to low levels of THMs not just from drinking water, but also from breathing in water vapour during showering, bathing, swimming and other uses.
Though the scientific community has more information on THMs than on other chlorination by-products, many believe that other chlorination by-products may also be leading to the increased risk of cancer. More research is needed.
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Re: Children, the environment and cancer (Re: Dr. Faisal Mohamed)
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*** 11 ***
Specific environmental contaminants - VI
Chlorinated water
Alternatives to chlorination
Although chlorination is the traditional method of disinfection, there are a number of alternatives currently used along with chlorination that can result in lower levels of chlorination by-products in drinking water.
- Ozonation is a method of disinfection whereby ozone gas is added to water and an electric current applied. It has been used for a long time in parts of western Europe, and is very effective against microbes. It can create other potentially cancer-causing by-products, such as bromate, though these by-products can be removed with additional treatment. Ozonation is a good primary disinfectant, but not a good secondary disinfectant. Because this type of disinfection doesn’t last throughout the water delivery system to homes and businesses, another disinfectant (such as chlorine) must be used for secondary disinfection.
- Ultraviolet (UV) light treatment is effective against most microbes, and is even more effective than chlorine against certain microbes such as Cryptosporidium. However, UV disinfection is less effective with murky water, must be carefully monitored to ensure it is working properly and can be costly to set up. Again, UV light treatment is a good primary disinfectant, but the effects don’t last while delivering water to homes and businesses.
- Chlorine dioxide is another chemical disinfectant that is effective against most microbes, but also creates disinfection by-products that may be harmful to human health, and can be more difficult to use than chlorine. It can be an effective primary disinfectant, but is not as good at maintaining disinfection during delivery of water to homes and businesses.
- Chloroamines are a group of chemicals that create much lower levels of harmful by-products than traditional chlorine. However, they can be expensive and difficult to use. Though they are effective against bacteria, they are not effective against certain other harmful microbes and therefore they are not good primary disinfectants. A different disinfectant has to be used at the water treatment plant. They are more stable throughout the water delivery system, and so may be a useful alternative to chlorine for secondary disinfection.
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Re: Children, the environment and cancer (Re: Dr. Faisal Mohamed)
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*** 12 ***
Specific environmental contaminants - VI
Chlorinated water
Better methods of water treatment Chlorine disinfection by-products are caused by: - the amount of chlorine used to disinfect the water
- chlorine reacting with the organic matter, such as plant matter, in the water
The amount of chlorine used could be decreased by using a combination of methods. For example, water treatment facilities may be able to use better filtration or better placement of water intake pipes, along with UV light treatment to disinfect the water. Some municipalities use groundwater (such as underground wells) that generally contains less organic matter. Some municipalities draw from surface water sources, but can draw from relatively clean sources, like large lakes, using intake pipes placed deep and far from shore. Other communities must get their water from smaller lakes and rivers that naturally tend to contain more organic matter, and this may result in higher levels of THMs and HAAs in their tap water. This is usually taken into account when setting the procedures for the local water treatment plant, and for the water quality monitoring (both of the untreated water, and the water during and after the treatment).
Aside from naturally-occurring organic matter such as dead leaves and soil in untreated water, run-off from farms (e.g. manure, fertilizers) and other places can further contaminate water sources. Both surface and ground water can be contaminated by run-off from homes and businesses. Protection of areas near water sources can reduce the amount of disinfection by-products created by: - reducing the amount of organic matter in the untreated water
- reducing the amount of chlorine needed to treat the water
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Re: Children, the environment and cancer (Re: Dr. Faisal Mohamed)
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*** 13 ***
Specific environmental contaminants - VI
Chlorinated water
What you can do
at home
Ask your municipal water supplier for a report on your water quality. If you are still concerned, you may be able to reduce your intake of these chlorine by-products somewhat by drinking filtered tap water. If you use point-of-use filtration devices (usually activated carbon filter systems in your water pitcher or attached to your tap) or point-of-entry devices (for whole house water treatment), make sure the products are certified to NSF standards and that the filters are changed according to the manufacturer’s instructions to avoid contamination from bacteria and other microbes.
Levels of disinfection by-products may not be reduced by all types of products mentioned here. In addition to this, you can still be exposed to disinfection by-products via showering and other activities. If you are concerned, the best solution is to advocate for changes within your municipality.
Bottled water does not have to be completely free of bacteria, and bacteria can re-grow during storage and transport. The low levels of bacteria are not generally a concern for healthy individuals, but those with a compromised immune system (such as people undergoing chemotherapy) may wish to avoid certain types of bottled water. Other bottled drinks fall under similar legislation. All individuals should regularly clean and disinfect their water coolers to avoid bacterial build-up.
In your municipality
The level of THMs and HAAs in your tap water can depend on where your municipality gets its water. Ask your municipality whether your water supply depends on ground or surface water. Ground water sources (from wells) will generally mean lower levels of THMs and HAAs in your tap water than surface water sources (from lakes, rivers).
The level of THMs and HAAs in your tap water can depend on where your municipality gets its water. Ask your municipality whether your water supply depends on ground or surface water. Ground water sources (from wells) will generally mean lower levels of THMs and HAAs in your tap water than surface water sources (from lakes, rivers). - Ask your water treatment facility if they are meeting the Guidelines for Drinking Water Quality , especially regarding total levels of THMs and HAAs. Ideally, the levels of THMs and HAAs will be as low as possible while still disinfecting the water.
- The proposed guideline for total THMs is 0.1mg/L (100 parts per billion). If the level of total THMs in your water is higher than 0.1mg/L, ask your municipality what can be done to fix this.
- Currently, the proposed level of HAAs is 0.08mg/L (80 parts per billion), but is under discussion.
- Ask your municipality to publish its water-testing results if it doesn’t already do this.
If your THM and HAA levels are high, your municipality may be able to: - remove or reduce the amount of organic matter while pre-treating the water
- provide better protection against contamination from organic matter (such as run-off from farms) for the current water supply
- use an alternative water supply, or move the water intake pipe to a more suitable location
- modify its disinfection strategies and use alternative disinfectants
Please note that alternate methods for water treatment can be very expensive to implement properly, and these costs generally are paid for by your local municipality. Larger municipalities may be able to make these changes more easily than smaller ones. Proper drinking water disinfection prevents many illnesses and deaths, and so improvements to your local facility must be made carefully.
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Re: Children, the environment and cancer (Re: Dr. Faisal Mohamed)
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*** 14 ***
Specific environmental contaminants - VII
Mandatory labelling of cosmetics
Policies and regulations should be issued that requires all cosmetics sold in Sudan to be labelled with a list of ingredients in descending order of content, similar to food ingredient labels.
Under these regulations, a cosmetic could be defined as a product which cleanses, improves or alters the complexion, skin, hair or teeth.
These regulations should support customers’ right to know what ingredients are in the products they use.
Mandatory labelling of cosmetics is a good first step, though an accurate list of ingredients allowed for use in cosmetics should be made publicly available. As well, cosmetics containing known cancer-causing substances should be clearly labelled with a warning.
Manufacturers and suppliers of cosmetics sold in Sudan are responsible for ensuring their products are safe and comply with regulations. They must also submit a “Cosmetic Notification Form” to Health Authority. This is not considered a product evaluation or agreement of compliance. However, Health Authority can use these notifications to identify products not in compliance, or that are no longer in compliance following a change in regulations.
Health Authority should publish a “hotlist” of substances banned or restricted in Sudanese cosmetics. Substances on the hotlist have be reviewed by Health Authority , though not all substances used in cosmetics have been reviewed by Health Authority. There is no complete list of permitted ingredients for Sudanese cosmetics.
Some substances on the hotlist:
* are banned outright
* are allowed only if they are below certain levels, for example, alpha-hydroxy acids
Health Authority should advise individuals with allergies or sensitivities to certain substances to ask their health care professional to identify its INCI name so that they may avoid cosmetics containing those substances.
Certain cosmetics must be labelled with avoidable hazards and cautions if they contain particular ingredients, for example mercury, or if they are in pressurized metal containers. Though this regulation states that cosmetics with avoidable hazards must be labelled with caution and directions for safe use, it does not specifically address cancer-causing or otherwise toxic substances.
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