Carcinogens
jodymaro1
Posts: 78 Member
A carcinogen is a substance, organism, or agent that can cause cancer. Carcinogens can be natural or synthetic, physical or biological, and can be found in the environment or created by humans:
Natural: Ultraviolet rays from the sun, certain viruses
Synthetic: Asbestos, cigarette smoke, automobile exhaust fumes
Physical: Ionizing and non-ionizing radiation
Biological: Viruses and bacteria
Most carcinogens work by damaging a cell's DNA, causing mutations. However, exposure to a carcinogen doesn't necessarily mean that cancer will develop. Many factors can influence whether someone exposed to a carcinogen will develop cancer, including: The amount and duration of exposure and The individual's genetic background.
Some examples of carcinogens include:
Processed meats like bacon, salami, pepperoni, and sausage
Nitrosamines, which are found in smoked foods and meats and can cause stomach cancer
Polycyclic hydrocarbons, which are found in cigarette smoke and can cause bladder, lung, oropharynx, kidney, and esophagus cancers
Hydrazine, 1,1-dimethylhydrazine, and 1,2-dimethylhydrazine, which are probable or possible human carcinogens
Natural: Ultraviolet rays from the sun, certain viruses
Synthetic: Asbestos, cigarette smoke, automobile exhaust fumes
Physical: Ionizing and non-ionizing radiation
Biological: Viruses and bacteria
Most carcinogens work by damaging a cell's DNA, causing mutations. However, exposure to a carcinogen doesn't necessarily mean that cancer will develop. Many factors can influence whether someone exposed to a carcinogen will develop cancer, including: The amount and duration of exposure and The individual's genetic background.
Some examples of carcinogens include:
Processed meats like bacon, salami, pepperoni, and sausage
Nitrosamines, which are found in smoked foods and meats and can cause stomach cancer
Polycyclic hydrocarbons, which are found in cigarette smoke and can cause bladder, lung, oropharynx, kidney, and esophagus cancers
Hydrazine, 1,1-dimethylhydrazine, and 1,2-dimethylhydrazine, which are probable or possible human carcinogens
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