Carcinogenicity

Carcinogens are harmful chemicals present around us in appliances or even in our homes and workplaces. It is impossible to remove such substances altogether, but one can exercise precautions since these are cancer-causing substances. Carcinogenicity refers to carcinogens that damage the DNA present inside the human body. It can hamper immunity and further lead to fatal diseases such as cancer. However, since such substances surround us, the exposure of carcinogens is upon all of us, but it still depends on an individual’s health and conduct. 

Carcinogenicity Explanation 

Since the carcinogens hamper the DNA and consequently leads to disrupted/uncontrolled cell division, which can cause a tumour to grow in a particular part of the body, if not treated in time, the size of the tumour begins to increase rapidly, ultimately proving to be fatal for the body. A few examples of carcinogens include tobacco smoke, radiation, asbestos, etc. Certain substances can cause a high risk of cancer when exposed for a limited time. Such meanings are not allowed in general use and are categorised in category 1 and category 2 depending upon the amount of carcinogenicity present. The Carcinogenicity explanation can be divided into genotoxic and non genotoxic carcinogens. Genotoxic carcinogens can cause damage to the cells that are irreversible. 

Carcinogens Function 

The Carcinogens Function is that the DNA is a genetic blueprint of a living being, and any change in the DNA can cause changes in the body. However, it should be understood that not every carcinogen directly causes cancer, but long-term exposure to such chemicals can be deadly. The carcinogenic substances can cause mutations in the DNA at a slower or a faster pace. Whenever a carcinogen affects the DNA, a protein is formed to fight the mutation; however, depending on the rate of cell mutation, the fighting mechanism of the body may get slowed down, and ultimately the rate of cell division due to Carcinogenicity becomes greater than the fighting mechanism of the body leading to the formation of the tumour. The tumour can lead to cancer and becomes more intense in each stage. Special treatments and surgeries can help reverse the damage caused by a carcinogen up to some extent, such as laser treatment helping destroy the carcinogenic cells in the body. 

Carcinogens Types  

The types of carcinogens include the places where such harmful chemicals can be found and are given as follows:

1. Radiation from the environment – It is very well known that the Sun produces ultraviolet radiations; however, these are stopped by the ozone layer protecting our earth. Since the ozone layer is getting damaged, UV radiation can reach the earth and cause skin cancer. Also, radon is a gas present in the soil and can cause lung cancer. 
2. Radiation caused by medical procedures – Many of us have been to medical labs for CT scans, but little did we know that the radiation emitted from high-tech machines can have Carcinogenicity. Certain medical producers require machines used for mastectomy for breast cancer treatment can lead to lung cancers. 
3. Carcinogens at home and workplace – The asbestos used in building materials contains formaldehyde, which is carcinogenic and can lead to lung cancer after long-term exposure. 
4. Carcinogens in viruses – Some viruses depict Carcinogenicity such as Hepatitis B and C, HIV, the Human papillomavirus (HPV) can also cause cancers such as lung, genital, and skin, eye, etc.

How To Identify Carcinogens?

The scientists perform various lab tests and cell cultures on animals to find whether a substance is carcinogenic or not, and the studies are also extended to people. Since the lab results on the tests done on animals are different from humans, we cannot know how much damage will be caused to a human body. Epidemiology is a scientific procedure to evaluate Carcinogenicity in food materials. The medical community worldwide is desperately trying to make advancements in the identification of carcinogens to create effective medicinal procedures for the treatment. 

Conclusion

The detailed information about Carcinogenicity is given in the text. The carcinogens are chemicals leading to cancer when exposed over a certain amount of time as this causes the cells to mutate, causing the tumour to grow in the body. There are types of carcinogens found around us, such as asbestos, certain foods, radiation, tobacco, etc. The tests to identify carcinogens are performed on animals to know about the nature of cancer. Upon reading the text, the reader shall understand the concept thoroughly and prepare important notes for the examination.