Two new reports identify byproducts of everyday life as culprits behind an increase in avoidable cancers and other health issues.

Diesel emissions from the Port of Oakland and the freeway system around West Oakland puts millions of people at risk of cancer, asthma and other diseases, according to a new report from the California Air Resources Board.

The study found that 1,200 cancer cases per million people were attributable to diesel exhaust, most from trucks, but also from port activities, which collectively cause hundreds of premature deaths.

In France, a new study has found a “small but consistent risk” of bladder cancer among male barbers and hairdressers.

The study also found personal use of hair dyes had a possible correlation to bladder cancer, lymphoma and leukemia.

Sources:

“Study says diesel emissions raise cancer risk”
San Francisco Chronicle, March 20, 2008

“Hair dyes found to increase cancer risk”
The Independent (U.K.), March 26, 2008