What Does
Carcinogenic Mean?
A carcinogenic is any agent, substance, or form of radiation that is has been identified as a direct cause of cancer. The carcinogen often does this by damaging the genome or interrupting the normal cell metabolic process. A carcinogen may also cause damage to the DNA within a cell, thus interfering with normal biological processes. This results in malignant cell division which can, in turn, lead to the development of a tumour.
Safeopedia Explains Carcinogenic
Carcinogens may occur naturally. Examples of natural carcinogens are Aflatoxin B1, a product of the fungus Aspergillis flavus, which can grow on grains, nuts and peanut butter. There are also viruses, such as Hepatitis B and human papilloma virus, which can be cancer causing. Some radioactive substances are carcinogens due to their radiation by way of gamma rays and alpha particles. Other carcinogens include asbestos, a number of dioxins and tobacco smoke.