Materials such as benzene, asbestos, and arsenic are:

Materials such as benzene, asbestos, and arsenic are:

• A. Corrosives
• B. Convulsants
• C. Irritants
• D. Carcinogens

Answer: (D)

These materials are carcinogens. Think of a carcinogen as a substance that has the potential to cause cancer, especially with long-term or repeated exposure. Benzene, asbestos, and arsenic have strong evidence showing they can initiate or promote cancer in humans and animals. Benzene exposure is well linked to leukemia; asbestos fibers are notorious for causing mesothelioma and lung cancer; inorganic arsenic compounds are associated with skin cancer and several internal cancers. This is different from corrosives, which burn or destroy tissue on contact; irritants, which cause inflammation and discomfort; or convulsants, which provoke seizures. While those hazards can occur with some substances in certain situations, the defining concern for this group is the cancer risk from chronic exposure, so they’re classified as carcinogens.

These materials are carcinogens. Think of a carcinogen as a substance that has the potential to cause cancer, especially with long-term or repeated exposure. Benzene, asbestos, and arsenic have strong evidence showing they can initiate or promote cancer in humans and animals. Benzene exposure is well linked to leukemia; asbestos fibers are notorious for causing mesothelioma and lung cancer; inorganic arsenic compounds are associated with skin cancer and several internal cancers.

This is different from corrosives, which burn or destroy tissue on contact; irritants, which cause inflammation and discomfort; or convulsants, which provoke seizures. While those hazards can occur with some substances in certain situations, the defining concern for this group is the cancer risk from chronic exposure, so they’re classified as carcinogens.