Interestingly, only 20% of those cases of childhood cancer are due to genetic factors.

So, if its not bad genes, what exactly is causing this tragically high number of cancer diagnosis among our most vulnerable population?

Science has proven definitively that carcinogens can cross the placental barrier, thus endangering our children even before they are born. Once in the womb and in contact with the developing fetus, there are two ways carcinogen exposure may lead childhood cancer: by causing tumor development and perhaps most frightening of all, by actually altering the baby’s genes –thus leaving them with a life-long predisposition to cancer.

It is frightening to think that current cancer rates reflect past toxic exposure. But fortunately today’s parents are better informed about the risks posed by many chemicals found in common household products. These parents in turn are driving the market for safer alternatives to harsh, chemical-laden traditional cleaners and personal care products. We can only hope that more attention on this issue will result in even greater safer shopping options for health-conscious families.