8 Unexpected Things around Your Home that Can Cause Cancer

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Last Updated on January 7, 2021

#7 – Library Books

© Chalmers

A known carcinogen called ethylene oxide is used to sterilize or fumigate not only library books but also medical supplies and museum artifacts, according to the Library of Congress.

Exposure to large amounts of ethylene oxide can cause a long list of serious health problems, including diarrhea, memory loss, nausea, headache, pneumonia, lung, liver, or kidneys damage, paralysis, seizures, and coma, in addition to severe irritation to the skin, eyes, lungs, throat, and respiratory passage.

Inhaling low levels of ethylene oxide can lead to the exact same health issues but to a lesser degree. Exposure to this chemical is mostly a problem for individuals who work with ethylene oxide. To minimize exposure, avoid bringing ethylene-oxide-containing items into your house.