HEALTHCARE »» CHILDREN »» TOXIC CHEMICALS »» Jan 11, 2021

Cancer is a complex group of diseases with its causes falling into two main groups. In one group are external or environmental factors, accounting for more than 90% of all cancer cases. The other group includes hereditary or genetic factors which are responsible for the remainder. Cancer can usually be traced to DNA mutations that affect cell growth and metastasis. Substances and chemicals that cause DNA mutations are known as mutagens. Mutagens that cause cancers are known as carcinogens. It is known that children have a much lower tolerance to carcinogens than do adults. It is believed that many chemicals including garden pesticides, household cleaners, fireproofing materials, paints and automotive chemicals are carcinogens. Doctors warn that the incidence of cancer in American children has been increasing about 1% each year for the past 25 years. During this time, children