CNN reports that the President’s Cancer Panel concluded that exposure to cancer risks is widespread and underestimated, especially for children. Many people are unaware of common cancer causing chemicals such as formaldehyde, benzene, and radon.

According to the Panel’s report, 80,000 chemicals are used in the U.S but only about 200 of them have been tested for safety. The rest are unregulated. Bisphenol-A (BPA), for instance, is found in food can liners, plastic bottles (including baby bottles), food wraps, and other containers even though exposure to BPA has been linked to cancer and several other diseases. Children are especially vulnerable to such environmental toxins.

Formaldehyde is present in almost all homes. The tight seals that make our homes energy efficient trap pollutants indoors. Formaldehyde, a probable carcinogen, is used in plywood, furniture, carpet, and other home goods. Open doors and windows to air out your home periodically.

Benzene, a known carcinogen, comes from vehicle exhaust and industrial pollution. If you walk or jog outdoors, try to do so away from busy roads and in the early morning hours before the air is polluted.

Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer behind smoking. Radon is gas that seeps from some rock formations and can collect in homes. Invest in a radon detector for your home.

The report also makes the following recommendations to reduce cancer risk:

- Remove shoes before entering the home to avoid tracking in toxins like pesticides.

- Use a home water filter to remove toxins from tap water.

- Use stainless steel or glass bottles.

- Never microwave plastic containers. [Better yet: get rid of your microwave!]

- Eat organic meats and produce to minimize exposure to toxins like pesticides, genetically modified proteins, and antibiotics.

- Minimize consumption of charred and well-done meats [as well as processed deli meats].

- Minimize exposure to radiation from x-rays and other medical imaging technologies.

Note: While sunburns increase the risk of skin cancer, lack of healthy sun exposure lowers vitamin D levels and increases cancer risk. Have some fun in the sun this summer; it’s good for you!

What is a rainwater pillow?

A rainwater pillow is the most convenient and efficient way to collect, store, and recycle rainwater. The pillow itself is made from a reinforced polymer alloy, and it expands as it fills up with rainwater from your gutters. The rainwater pillow can be easily hidden under your porch, deck, or crawl space. The standard pillow is 10 feet by 8 feet, and stands at just 2 feet high when it’s full of water. (Don’t worry – an overflow valve prevents the sealed system from leaking.)

The best thing about a rainwater pillow is the amount of water that it can hold. Standard rain barrels hold only about 50 gallons. The stadard size rainwater pillow holds 1,000 gallons. That’s the equivalent of having 50 rain barrels in your yard!

People recycle rainwater for many reasons. When you use rainwater to water your garden and lawn, you don’t have to worry about watering restrictions. You can even wash your car with recycled rainwater! And some communities offer tax incentives for installing a rainwater recycling system.

The Original Rainwater Pillow has been featured on This Old House and in BusinessWeek. If you live in an area of the country prone to drought and watering restrictions, learn more about rainwater pillows (before the heat of summer arrives).