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Know your environment

Learn how to reduce your exposure to cancer-causing substances (carcinogens).
  1. Home
  2. Cancer information
  3. Reduce your risk
  4. Know your environment

Many Canadians are worried about whether anything around them can cause cancer. Any substance that is known to cause cancer is called a carcinogen.

The Canadian Cancer Society shares your concerns. We believe that you shouldn’t be exposed to carcinogens at work, at home or in the environment. But we need a lot more research to help us understand what is and what isn’t linked to cancer. If you are being exposed to cancer-causing substances, we believe that you have a right to know.

Carcinogens should be removed or replaced with safer options. If it’s not possible to get rid of a carcinogen or find something safer, it’s important to reduce the amount of exposure to as low as reasonably achievable or reduce the time you spend around it as much as possible.

We need a lot more research to help us understand what is and what isn’t linked to cancer. But the link between some harmful substances and cancer is clear. In this section, you’ll find lots of information about how to protect yourself from carcinogens.

Aerial view of a city with office towers and other buildings

Learn about carcinogens in your environment

Take steps to avoid carcinogens or reduce the time you are around them.
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Air pollution coming from an industrial area

Air pollution

Air pollution is a mixture of chemicals, particles and other materials in the air in amounts that could damage the environment or harm the health or comfort of humans, animals and plants. You can be exposed to air pollution outside and inside.
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Person testing tap water in their home for arsenic

Arsenic

Arsenic is a substance found in rocks and soil that occurs naturally. Some areas of Canada have higher levels of arsenic in drinking water.
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Caution sign for asbestos

Asbestos

Asbestos is a naturally occurring fibrous mineral used in construction and other industries because it is durable and resists high heat. Exposure to asbestos is highest for people who work with it.

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Firefighter in full gear and oxygen mask in a smokey area

Formaldehyde

Formaldehyde is a chemical found in smoke and exhaust. Most exposure happens at workplaces that work with it, but some people may be exposed in their homes.
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Patient in a hospital bed wearing a gown

Medical radiation

Some medical imaging tests and some types of cancer treatment use ionizing radiation. Often the benefits of exposure outweigh the risks.

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Underground subway tunnel with lights illuminating it

Radon

Radon is a radioactive gas found naturally in the environment. Exposure happens in homes when radon seeps into enclosed spaces.
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Tractor spraying crops with pesticides

Other

Researchers are continuously studying to determine if other substances increase cancer risk.

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