Factfinder Tool - Cancer FactFinder

CLAIM: Loom bands increase the risk of cancer

Consumer products

What you may have heard Loom bands were pulled from shelves due to concerns about cancer risk. What science tells us Rainbow Loom is a plastic device used to weave small, colored rubber bands (loom bands) into jewelry. Loom bands were pulled from the shelves after they were found to contain high levels of phthalates.…

CLAIM: Scented candles cause cancer

Consumer products

Definitely or most likely true

What you may have heard Burning scented candles emits cancer-causing chemicals. What science tells us Burning scented candles could lead to cancer-causing exposures through wax and wicks. Some aromatherapy candles are made of paraffin, which is a petroleum byproduct that releases carcinogenic soot when burned (Green America). At high exposure levels, this soot can also…

CLAIM: Antiperspirants and deodorants increase the risk of breast cancer

Consumer products

Definitely or most likely not true

What you may have heard Antiperspirants and deodorants contain cancer-causing substances that are absorbed, particularly after shaving. What science tells us Antiperspirants are classified as a drug that helps reduce the amount of sweat produced. The eccrine gland produces sweat and antiperspirants can block the production of sweat using an aluminum-based product (WebMD). Deodorants are…

CLAIM: Cosmetics can increase cancer risk

Consumer products

Impact on cancer risk undetermined

What you may have heard Cosmetics and their ingredients are frequently discussed in the media as being associated with cancer. What science tells us The FDA defines cosmetics as “articles intended to be rubbed, poured, sprinkled, or sprayed on, introduced to, or otherwise applied to the human body…for cleansing, beautifying, promoting attractiveness, or altering the…

A vareity of cosmetics and make-up brushes

CLAIM: Wearing bras can cause breast cancer

Consumer products

Definitely or most likely not true

What you may have heard Wearing bras causes cancer. What science tells us Epidemiological Evidence There has been concern that bra-wearing changes how lymph nodes remove waste and toxins from the breast. However, there is no epidemiological evidence to support this claim. The Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle interviewed over 1,000 women with…

CLAIM: Cell phone use causes cancer

Consumer products

Definitely or most likely not true

What you may have heard Keeping your phone close to your body or head can increase your risk of cancer. What science tells us Phones emit RF (Radiofrequency) waves, which are a form of non-ionizing radiation. This means that they do not have enough energy to directly damage DNA inside cells and cause cancer (ACS,…

Woman holiding a cell phone up to her ear

CLAIM: Standing near a microwave while using it causes cancer

Consumer products Diet & nutrition

Definitely or most likely not true

What you may have heard Standing too close to the microwave can increase your risk of developing cancer. What science tells us Microwaves do not emit enough radiofrequency radiation to be harmful to humans (ACS). Microwave ovens are designed so that the microwave radiation is contained within the oven itself. The oven only creates microwaves…

CLAIM: Microwaving (or freezing) food in plastic containers increases cancer risk

Uncategorized

Definitely or most likely not true

What you may have heard Heating plastic in the microwave or freezing plastic releases various harmful chemicals that may cause cancer. What science tells us Freezing tends to work against the release of chemicals. The Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health stated, “Chemicals do not diffuse as readily in cold temperatures, which would limit…

Plastic container of food on its way into a microwave

CLAIM: Plastic water bottles cause cancer

Consumer products

Definitely or most likely not true

What you may have heard Warnings have been posted about cancer risks from drinking from plastic water bottles. What science tells us There has been concern of cancer risks from potential exposure to diethylhexyl adipate (DEHA), diethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP), or bisphenol A (BPA) that may be found in plastic water bottles.The American Cancer Society has…

Close-up photo of plastic bottles of water

CLAIM: Shampoos with formaldehyde cause cancer

Occupational & environmental exposure Consumer products

Definitely or most likely true

What you may have heard Shampoo with formaldehyde is a carcinogen. What science tells us Many hair care products, such as shampoos and leave-in conditioners, contain formaldehyde or other variations, such as formalin and methylene glycol. When these products are heated, the formaldehyde is released into the air as a gas. This can occur by…

Back view of someone shampooing their hair

CLAIM: Shampoos with sodium lauryl sulfate cause cancer

Occupational & environmental exposure Consumer products

Definitely or most likely not true

What you may have heard Shampooing with products that contain sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) cause cancer. What science tells us SLS is a cleaning agent and surfactant that is used in many personal care and cleaning products. Epidemiological Evidence While SLS chemicals may cause eye irritation (or eye damage in high-enough quantities) and skin irritation…

Woman in store aisle reading label on a product

CLAIM: Diesel exhaust causes cancer

Occupational & environmental exposure

Definitely or most likely true

What you may have heard Inhalation of diesel exhaust can cause cancer. What science tells us Diesel is a type of fuel derived from crude oil and is used in most large engines (such as trucks, trains, buses, construction equipment, and ships). The gas portion of diesel is made up of carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide,…

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