Factfinder Tool - Cancer FactFinder

CLAIM: Plastic water bottles cause cancer

Consumer products

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,…

CLAIM: Power lines cause cancer

Occupational & environmental exposure

Impact on cancer risk undetermined

What you may have heard The U.S. National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) stated that the health risk from extremely low frequency (ELF) radiation poses a weak health risk: the radiation is not entirely safe, yet it is still a potential carcinogen (ACS, NIEHS). What science tells us Radiation exists across a spectrum from…

CLAIM: Flying in airplanes increases cancer risk

Occupational & environmental exposure

Definitely or most likely true

What you may have heard People who fly frequently, like pilots and flight attendants, are at higher risk for cancer. What science tells us Air crew are exposed to higher levels of radiation (specifically cosmic ionizing radiation, a type of radiation that comes from outer space). Cosmic ionizing radiation is known to cause cancer, and…

Passengers and flight attendant inside airplane

CLAIM: Paint chemicals cause cancer

Occupational & environmental exposure

Definitely or most likely true

What you may have heard Interior or exterior house painting is associated with cancer. What science tells us Paint chemicals contain thousands of chemical compounds. The main organic solvents used in paints are toluene, xylene, aliphatic compounds, ketones, alcohols, esters, and glycol esters. The amount of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) released are similar to those…

Overhead view of lid-less cans of paint in different colors. Next to the cans is a rainbow of color swatches.

CLAIM: Asbestos causes cancer

Occupational & environmental exposure

Definitely or most likely true

What you may have heard Exposure to asbestos causes cancer. What science tells us Asbestos was a construction material (used primarily in insulation) and can be found in buildings built before 2000. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has labeled asbestos as a known carcinogen. It causes cancer by scarring lung tissue whenever…

Wall with a sign that says "Danger Contains Asbestos"

CLAIM: Formaldehyde causes cancer

Occupational & environmental exposure

Definitely or most likely true

What you may have heard Exposure to formaldehyde can cause cancer. What science tells us Formaldehyde is a colorless, flammable, strong-smelling chemical that is used in building materials and in the production of many household products. It is used in pressed-wood products (such as plywood and fiberboard), glue, adhesives, permanent-pressed fabrics, paper product coatings, insulation,…

A gloved hand taking a bottle labeled "Formaldehyde"

CLAIM: Radon causes cancer

Occupational & environmental exposure

Definitely or most likely true

What you may have heard Radon gas causes cancer. What science tells us Radon is a colorless, odorless gas that, after long-term exposure, can lead to lung cancer. Radon breaks down into radioactive elements in the air, which are absorbed into the body. Radon is considered carcinogenic to humans by national and international organizations, including…

CLAIM: Induced (medical) abortion causes breast cancer

Medical Issue or Treatment

Definitely or most likely not true

What you may have heard Women who undergo induced medical abortions have a higher risk of developing cancer. What science tells us Hormone levels change dramatically during pregnancy and decrease a woman’s number of menstrual cycles, which affects breast cancer risk (ACS). Abortion is believed to interrupt the normal cycle of hormones during pregnancy. There…

Pills spilling out of a bottle near ultrasound photos.

CLAIM: Birth control pills cause cancer

Medical Issue or Treatment

Definitely or most likely true

What you may have heard People who take birth control pills have an increased risk of cancer. What science tells us Birth control pills are used to prevent pregnancy and contain two hormones: estrogen and progesterone that help regulate the menstrual cycle (Cleveland Clinic). Birth control pills prevent pregnancy by stopping ovulation and preventing sperm…

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