As a leading cause of death worldwide, cancer is a significant health issue. The most common types of cancer in adults are breast, lung, prostate, and colorectal. For children, common types include leukemia and brain tumors. All cancers are related to carcinogens or substances that may cause cancer. Exposure to tobacco smoke, cancer-causing chemicals, and radiation can trigger abnormal tissue cells to overproduce. This accelerated growth creates tumors that can disrupt body systems and spread throughout the body.

Below we put together a list of environmental factors that can cause cancer:

1. Asbestos
Asbestos is a cancer-causing chemical previously used in building insulation, roofing materials, as well as in certain car parts, including brake linings and gaskets. Currently, asbestos is used in fiber cement board. The biggest problem with the material is that small particles can break off the main product and be inhaled into the body. Asbestos can cause mesothelioma, lung, and ovarian cancers. The risks were higher before 1989 when the EPA banned asbestos, but many older buildings still contain this carcinogen.

2. Tobacco smoke
Cigarettes contain tobacco leaves and over 70 chemical additives, including arsenic, benzene, lead, and formaldehyde. These chemicals can lead to cancers of the lung, esophagus, mouth, throat, kidney, bladder, stomach, and leukemia.

3. Benzene
Benzene is found not only in cigarettes but also in crude oil and gasoline. It’s a component of plastics, detergents, pesticides, and synthetic fibers. Occupational exposure to benzene is linked to leukemia, multiple myeloma, and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Workers exposed to benzene must wear protective breathing equipment when exposure levels are above set limits.

4. Radon
Radon is a naturally occurring substance formed during the breakdown of uranium, which can be found in rock, soil, and well water. Radon gas moves into homes through cracks in foundations. Cigarettes also contain radon, but not all radon cancers are from smoking. Environmental exposure to radon can cause lung cancer in non-smokers and is linked to childhood leukemia.

5. Processed meats
Some cancer-causing chemicals are formed during the processing of products like bacon, sausages, hot dogs, and pepperoni. When these foods are eaten, they raise the level of carcinogens in the body. Scientists are unsure how much processed meat can be consumed before cancer develops but recommend limiting overall intake. Processed meats are linked to colorectal cancer and increased risk of breast, prostate, and pancreatic cancers.

6. Ultra-violet (UV) radiation
Almost all skin cancers are caused by overexposure to UV radiation from the sun and sunlamp products, like tanning beds. Limiting time outdoors and wearing sunscreen helps limit the risks. Skin cancers can destroy tissue and spread to other parts of the body.

7. X-rays
High levels of x-rays can cause cancer, but the risk during routine x-rays is very low. Most x-rays are short exposure and lead shields are used to protect parts of the body not being x-rayed. Repeated and prolonged exposure to x-rays can cause cancer in the affected body area, but for most people this is not a serious risk.