Chemical carcinogen

Chemical Carcinogens are substances or agents that have the potential to cause cancer in living tissues. The term is derived from the Greek words "karkinos" meaning crab and "genes" meaning born of or produced by. Chemical carcinogens are a significant concern in oncology, public health, and environmental science.

Classification

Chemical carcinogens are classified by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) into five groups, from Group 1 (carcinogenic to humans) to Group 4 (probably not carcinogenic to humans). This classification is based on the strength of the scientific evidence available.

Mechanism of Action

Chemical carcinogens cause cancer by interacting with the DNA in cells and inducing genetic mutations. These mutations can lead to uncontrolled cell growth and division, which is the hallmark of cancer. Some chemical carcinogens require metabolic activation by the body's enzymes to become carcinogenic, these are known as pro-carcinogens.

Examples

Examples of chemical carcinogens include tobacco smoke, asbestos, benzene, formaldehyde, and certain pesticides and dyes. Occupational exposure to these substances can significantly increase the risk of developing certain types of cancer.

Prevention and Control

Prevention and control of exposure to chemical carcinogens is a key aspect of cancer prevention. This can be achieved through regulatory measures, workplace safety practices, and public education about the risks associated with exposure to these substances.

See Also

• Cancer
• Oncology
• Public Health
• Environmental Science
• International Agency for Research on Cancer
• DNA
• Tobacco Smoke
• Asbestos
• Benzene
• Formaldehyde
• Pesticides
• Dyes

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