Simple Steps To Reduce Cancer Risks From Household Items in Texas

Living in Texas, we use a lot of chemicals in and around our homes. Whether it’s dealing with big red ants, carpenter ants, termites, scorpions, or just trying to stop wood rot, we’ve all reached for products to kill bugs or protect our property.

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But here’s what most folks don’t think about: even the cleaners we use in the bathroom or kitchen, and the rubber gloves we wear to protect ourselves while cleaning, could be putting our health at risk. I tell my family all the time these everyday items might do more harm than good.

We like to believe our homes are safe, but what if the very things we use to clean, protect, or freshen, actually increase our cancer risk? According to TheHealthy.com, from Reader’s Digest, many common household items can release chemicals known to cause cancer, and some of them are sitting on your shelf right now.

Here’s a look at the most surprising culprits, many of which are hiding in plain sight inside Texas homes.

1. Engineered Wood & Resins
Composite wood products like particleboard, MDF, and some plywood contain formaldehyde-based resins. These are often used on kitchen cabinets, bookshelves, desks, and flooring. Over time, they can release toxic fumes, especially during warm Texas summers when indoor air circulation is limited.

2. Insulation and Building Materials
Older homes across West Texas may still contain asbestos in insulation or ceiling tiles, materials that were once popular but are now banned due to their link to lung cancer. Even modern materials like spray foam or adhesives can emit VOCs (volatile organic compounds) if not properly sealed.

3. Paints, Glues, and Finishes
From hobby glues to home improvement projects, many paints, stains, lacquers, and adhesives contain solvents that release VOCs into the air. Long-term exposure has been tied to various health problems, including certain types of cancer.

4. Treated Paper Products
Did you know some paper towels, napkins, or tissues are made using chemicals like chlorine bleach or dyes? These can leave behind trace carcinogens, especially if used in large quantities or heated in the microwave.

Read More: 3 Simple Easy Ways to Live Mosquito Free in West Texas

5. Permanent Press Clothing
“Wrinkle-free” or “no-iron” shirts and pants may be treated with formaldehyde-based coatings to keep fabric crisp. While convenient, this chemical can linger on skin and in the air after repeated wears and washes.

6. Preservatives in Cosmetics & Cleaners
Some shampoos, fabric softeners, dish soaps, and cosmetics contain preservatives that release formaldehyde over time. Ingredients like quaternium-15 or DMDM hydantoin are slow-releasing agents that can pose health risks with long-term exposure.

7. Fertilizers & Pesticides
They’re meant for outdoor use, but that doesn’t mean they stay outside. Pesticides and lawn fertilizers can enter your home on shoes, clothing, or pets. Certain ingredients in these products are known carcinogens, especially in high doses or repeated contact.

8. Gas Stoves & Heaters Without Ventilation
In Texas homes, unvented gas stoves, space heaters, and fireplaces can produce benzene and formaldehyde, both linked to cancer. Proper ventilation is key, especially during winter months or in poorly circulated kitchens.

9. Cigarette Smoke
No surprise here—secondhand smoke remains one of the most dangerous in-home exposures. Even after the smoke disappears, cancer-causing residues linger on walls, furniture, and clothing, posing a threat to kids and pets.

Final Thoughts

You don’t have to panic, but awareness is power. Make small changes where you can: ventilate your home, switch to cleaner products, and be smart about what you bring into your space. Your home should be your safe haven, not a slow-risk zone.

Why this topic hits home for me. I was diagnosed with cancer back in 1978, and ever since then, I’ve been passionate about helping Texans stay informed and stay safe. If a small change can prevent even one person from going through what I did, it’s worth writing about.

Now it’s up to you and me, to take it seriously. Stay healthy y'all!