Check if there are carcinogenic household items in your home too.

Exposure to certain chemicals can damage the nervous system and organs, increasing the risk of various cancers. Experts from the UK Daily Mail warn that these chemicals are commonly found in household products and should be approached with caution. What could they be?

Electric air fresheners contain volatile organic compounds such as formaldehyde, which can increase the risk of cancer with long-term exposure. Electric air fresheners are used by plugging them into an outlet, allowing the fragrance to be replaced as needed. When the fragrance disperses into the air, it can react with indoor air compounds, potentially causing harmful effects on the body. The chemicals produced during this process can adhere to furniture, walls, and floors, and may be released into indoor air even when the electric air freshener is not in use. The content of volatile organic compounds varies depending on the fragrance ingredients and can be absorbed into the body through the respiratory system or skin. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends reducing the use of strongly scented electric air fresheners whenever possible.

Fabric cleaners used for cleaning rugs, carpets, and sofas contain harmful chemicals such as perchloroethylene, so caution is advised. Perchloroethylene is a colorless, transparent liquid that is effective for dry cleaning, cleaning natural and synthetic fibers, and degreasing metal products. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency classifies perchloroethylene as a possible carcinogen and associates it with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, multiple myeloma, and bladder cancer. Dr. Alexis Temkin recommends choosing products that are labeled as free of toxic substances and artificial fragrances when purchasing cleaners.

Polish used to enhance the shine and color of wood or furniture can cause skin cancer and lung cancer. According to a study by the University of Bergen in Norway, frequent use of polish can cause lung damage equivalent to smoking 20 packs of cigarettes a day. Samara Galler Park of the American environmental group EWG said, "When purchasing polish, try to choose products that do not contain harmful chemicals, or use a mixture of baking soda and lemon juice vinegar as a substitute for polish."