A UK-based oncologist and hematologist has revealed he refuses to keep five everyday household products in his home, citing a simple, precautionary approach to reducing unnecessary chemical exposure. Dr. Sudarson Vishnu Kollimuttathuillam shared his personal rules on Sept. 25, 2026, explaining that while the cancer-causing evidence for some items remains incomplete, taking small steps to limit exposure is a reasonable form of prevention.
Dr. Kollimuttathuillam stressed that people should not panic. Many of the products he avoids are not proven to cause cancer in humans under normal household use. Still, he argues that when safer alternatives exist, there is little downside to using them.
Five products this oncologist says he won’t use
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Damaged plastic food containers. Scratched, cloudy, deformed, or worn plastic containers are out. If reheating food, he checks whether the container is clearly labeled microwave-safe. When in doubt, he transfers food to glass or ceramic. He notes that tiny amounts of chemicals can migrate into food, but there is no reliable evidence that storing food in plastic causes cancer in humans.
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Mothballs containing naphthalene. Naphthalene turns into vapor at room temperature, meaning people can inhale it indoors. It is classified as “possibly carcinogenic to humans,” a label based mainly on animal studies. Rather than risk it, he recommends keeping closets clean, washing clothes before storage, and using non-chemical pest-repellent methods.
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Plug-in air fresheners. Many scented products release volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, into indoor air. Research is still exploring the long-term health effects of these chemicals. The doctor says there is not enough evidence to prove normal use directly causes cancer, but he personally avoids strong synthetic fragrances. Opening windows and choosing less intense scents can help lower exposure.
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Harsh cleaning products. Stronger does not always mean better. Some cleaning agents can release irritating chemicals into the air or cause skin, eye, and respiratory irritation, especially in poorly ventilated spaces. Dr. Kollimuttathuillam’s biggest concern is long-term, repeated, or occupational exposure rather than occasional household use. He advises using the simplest product that gets the job done, following label instructions, and never mixing cleaners unless the label specifically says it is safe.
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Non-essential pesticides and herbicides. The doctor limits pesticide use inside and around his home. Some pesticides have been studied for possible links to cancer, but the highest risks tend to come from prolonged, repeated, or high-dose exposure—often in occupational settings. He favors non-chemical pest control first. If pesticides are necessary, he follows the product directions exactly and avoids using more than needed.
Lifestyle habits matter more than fear
Dr. Kollimuttathuillam cautions against becoming obsessive about every product in the house. In his view, the most effective ways to lower cancer risk are well-known lifestyle measures: not smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, limiting alcohol intake, protecting skin from excessive ultraviolet exposure, and following recommended cancer screening guidelines.
Rather than emptying the entire cupboard out of fear, he suggests a balanced approach: reduce unnecessary chemical exposures where it is easy to do so, but focus energy on the bigger, evidence-based drivers of cancer risk. For anyone looking to start, replacing old plastic containers with glass, opening a window, and reading cleaning product labels are small but meaningful first steps.