Plastics, particularly those made with vinyl chloride, have been identified as a significant source of exposure to carcinogenic chemicals. Vinyl chloride, a known human carcinogen, is used in the production of polyvinyl chloride (PVC), one of the most commonly manufactured plastics in the world. PVC is used in a wide variety of products, including packaging, pipes, automotive parts, construction materials, and furniture. Exposure to vinyl chloride has been associated with an increased risk of liver cancer, particularly the rare, sentinel neoplasm of liver angiosarcoma (LAS), and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).
Cosmetics and personal care products can also contain carcinogenic chemicals. Certain chemicals used in cosmetics, such as parabens, have been found to mimic the effects of estrogen in the body, potentially increasing the risk of breast cancer. Additionally, formaldehyde, a known carcinogen, is sometimes used in cosmetics as a preservative, despite being banned in the European Union.
Exposure to carcinogenic chemicals can also come from other sources, such as food packaging and storage containers. For example, bisphenol A (BPA), a chemical used in the production of some plastics, has been linked to an increased risk of breast cancer, prostate cancer, and other health issues. However, it is important to note that the evidence linking BPA to cancer in humans is less clear than the evidence linking vinyl chloride to cancer.