A carcinogen is a substance that can cause cancer in humans or animals. It can act on DNA, increase cell division, and promote cancer development. Carcinogens do not always lead to cancer after every exposure, and testing on humans is unethical. Many substances, including asbestos, radon, and tobacco smoke, are known carcinogens. Some useful substances, like chlorine, can also be carcinogenic. Carcinogens can be found in everyday items, making it difficult to determine what is safe to consume or use.
A carcinogen is a substance capable of causing cancer in humans or animals. If a substance is known to promote or aggravate cancer, but does not necessarily cause cancer, it may also be classified as a carcinogen. While there are many things believed to cause cancer, a substance is only considered a carcinogen if there is significant evidence that it is carcinogenic.
A carcinogen can act on deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), causing dangerous changes, or it can work to increase the rate of cell division. This change in cell division may work to increase the likelihood of DNA changes. Some carcinogens promote the development of cancer in other ways as well.
It is important to note that carcinogens do not lead to cancer after every exposure. Some cause carcinogenic changes following prolonged, high-level exposure, while others can cause harm at lower levels and shorter periods of exposure. Additionally, an individual’s unique genetic makeup can influence the body’s response to a carcinogen.
Testing human subjects for carcinogenic behavior and properties is considered unethical, not to mention dangerous to the health of test subjects. Therefore, animals are often used for cancer testing. Additionally, both human and animal cell cultures are used in the tests. Scientists also consider the effects of substances at the molecular level in determining whether or not they are carcinogenic. Evidence of links between exposure to substances and the development of cancer is also considered.
Many substances have been identified as carcinogens. Some commonly known carcinogens include asbestos, radon, some pesticides, arsenic and tobacco smoke. Smokeless tobacco is also a known carcinogen.
A major carcinogen originates from something vital to life. The sun emits ultraviolet rays which are carcinogenic. Ultraviolet radiation is known to lead to a variety of cancers affecting the skin.
Unfortunately, carcinogens can be found in everything from snack foods and beverages to certain types of plastic and everyday items. Too often a substance is not identified as a carcinogen until it has been used or consumed by humans for many years. Additionally, so many substances are said to be possible carcinogens that it can be difficult to figure out what is safe to consume, breathe, or use and what is not.
In some cases, substances useful to humans are also carcinogenic. Chlorine is one such carcinogen. Chlorine is useful for disinfecting water for bathing, drinking and swimming. At the same time, its by-products are capable of causing a number of diseases, including lung cancer.
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