Carcinogenicity and Toxicity

Carcinogens refer to any chemicals, compounds, radiations or radionuclides that cause or increase cancer incidence. Carcinogenicity is the tendency of a substance to cause cancer.

Carcinogenic compounds can degrade the DNA or alter the cells participating in the metabolic process. Many radioactive compounds are carcinogenic; their carcinogenic properties result from the radiation they produce. Carcinogenic substances include gamma rays and alpha particles.

Tobacco smoke, some dioxins and inhaled asbestos are examples of non-radioactive carcinogens. Tobacco smoke emits hazardous chemicals such as carbon monoxide, which can cause cancer. Carcinogenic compounds are frequently assumed to be synthetic chemicals. However, they might be natural or manufactured. Carcinogenic compounds do not have to be poisonous right away; their ill-effects are usually seen after prolonged exposure.

Diseases due to Carcinogenic Substances

Carcinogenic substances raise cancer risk by harming the body’s metabolic cells. Cancer is a term used to describe a class of diseases causing abnormal cell growth that can spread to other parts of the body. In short, it is a sickness that can damage the body’s cells. They also cause damage to the cell’s DNA, which is linked to a variety of biological processes in the body. As a consequence of this, tumours form.

A fungus produces the toxin aflatoxin B1. It is a naturally-occurring microbiological carcinogenic material that grows on the surface of cereals, peanut butter and different nuts. Those infected with them can develop cancer from hepatitis B and human papillomaviruses.

There are several other carcinogenic substances other than viruses, fungi and radiation. 

Also, compounds like benzene and polynuclear hydrocarbons with more than two fused benzene rings display carcinogenic effects. These compounds make their way into the human body and are subjected to metabolic processes. Incomplete burning of organic materials such as tobacco, coal and petroleum generates polynuclear hydrocarbons. These damage DNA cells, resulting in cancer and possibly death.

Carcinogen Examples

1. Carcinogens occur in abundance in our environment. Some of the most common ones are tobacco-based smoke, insecticides, asbestos, radon and arsenic. Many carcinogens are present in everyday items, including in our food and environment. Some of these compounds occur naturally, such as asbestos, which is only dangerous when inhaled significantly. Others are created in laboratories and are present in various items ranging from personal care and home care to cleaning products.
2. Most toothpaste brands contain saccharin and phenol fluoride; soaps and shampoos contain formaldehyde, quaternion and dyes. Cosmetics comprise BHA, talc, titanium dioxide and triethanolamine. Carcinogens have made their way into most daily use products.  
3. Carcinogens usually have ‘PEG’ or ‘-eth’ in their names. Usually, the role of these chemicals is to extend product shelf life or add scent and colour. Some of these, especially the ones found in lawn care products, can prove to be highly toxic. It is advisable to limit exposure to these chemicals. But when forced to use them, it should be with the appropriate protective gear. 
4. The sun’s ultraviolet rays can also cause changes in our skin, leading to numerous types of skin cancer. Sunscreens and protective clothes can assist in limiting this exposure by blocking harmful rays.
5. The food we eat is also often laden with carcinogens. Overcooked or scorched foods, particularly meats, are carcinogenic. Processed and refined foods typically contain preservatives and chemicals that are carcinogenic. Organic meat and farm produce that have been reared or grown with natural feed and fertilisers are a healthier option and an excellent means of avoiding carcinogens in the diet.

Toxicity

Toxicity is the degree to which a chemical element or a combination of chemicals can cause harm to an organism. It is the effect on an organism – animal, plant or bacteria – and its substructure, including a cell or an organ – like the liver.

The term also applies to the deadly consequences on more complex groups, such as family or society. In everyday usage, the word is sometimes used interchangeably with poisoning.

The core premise of toxicology is that hazardous effects are dose-dependent; even water, when ingested in greater concentrations, can cause intoxication. Even a very poisonous chemical such as snake venom can be harmless in tiny doses.

In light of the limitations of the dose-response paradigm, a new Drug Toxicity Index (DTI) has recently been developed. DTI has tasks such as recognising hepatotoxic medicines, defining drug toxicity, predicting clinical outcomes and providing correct mechanistic insights. Because toxicity is species-specific, the cross-species study is complex.

On the other hand, new measurements and paradigms are increasingly emerging to avoid animal testing while keeping the notion or aspect of toxicity endpoints.

The following are the four categories of toxic substances:

• chemical
• biological
• physical
• radioactive

Inorganic toxicants such as mercury, chlorine gas and hydrofluoric acid and organic molecules such as most pharmaceuticals, methyl alcohol and lead are examples of chemical toxicants.

Since the “threshold dose” for infections from biological toxins can be a single organism, measuring their toxicity is difficult. One virus, worm or bacteria can reproduce to cause a significant illness.

Physical toxins exist due to their physical character and interference with biological processes. Asbestos fibres, coal dust and finely divided silicon dioxide are all examples of substances that can be lethal if inhaled.

Radiation has the potential to be hazardous to organisms.

Toxicity Classification

The compounds must be correctly categorised and labelled to be handled and regulated with care. Approved computations or testing techniques determine the classification; scientists and governments have set cut-off thresholds.

Pesticides are one example of well-known toxicity labels and classification systems. While most nations have different legislation regarding test types, cut-off levels and the number of tests, they are introducing the globally harmonised system in many countries.

Conclusion

Carcinogens cause cancer by destroying the cell DNA or creating damage and inflammation that causes mutations. Although exposure to a carcinogen does not guarantee that you will develop cancer, it is a factor that should not be overlooked. Home chemicals, environmental or medical radiation, drugs, viruses, dirty air and lifestyle choices can all cause exposure. Since many carcinogens are present in daily products, it is nearly impossible to eliminate them. However, we can minimise exposure by wearing protective gear such as gloves and masks, reading labels and refraining from smoking.