Synthetic chemicals are present in foods at much lower levels than are many naturally occurring carcinogens and toxins. Also, in many cases the synthetic chemicals are less potent carcinogens than the ones that are a natural part of our food
We are routinely warned by earnest websites, advertisements, and well-meaning popular articles about 'nasty' chemicals lurking in our homes and kitchens. Many tout the benefits of switching to a 'chemical-free lifestyle.' 1 However, there is no way to get away from chemicals since everything we eat is made of chemicals. There simply is no such thing as a 'chemical-free lifestyle.'
Yet, surprisingly, the greatest number of carcinogens facing human cells do not come from outside the body, but are the normal by-products of human metabolism. 2