Which term describes substances that can cause cancer?

Which term describes substances that can cause cancer?

• A. Carcinogens
• B. Toxicants
• C. Irritants
• D. Allergens

Answer: (A)

Carcinogens are substances that can cause cancer. They work by damaging DNA or disrupting the normal controls on cell growth, which can lead to mutations and uncontrolled cell division if the damage isn’t repaired. Whether something acts as a carcinogen often depends on the amount and duration of exposure, and some agents must be metabolically activated in the body to become cancer-causing. Examples include certain chemicals like asbestos or benzene, some forms of radiation such as ultraviolet or ionizing radiation, and certain viruses like HPV. The other terms describe different hazards: toxicants are broadly toxic substances that can harm the body in various ways, irritants cause inflammation or irritation, and allergens trigger allergic immune responses. Since the question asks for substances that can cause cancer, carcinogens is the precise term.

Carcinogens are substances that can cause cancer. They work by damaging DNA or disrupting the normal controls on cell growth, which can lead to mutations and uncontrolled cell division if the damage isn’t repaired. Whether something acts as a carcinogen often depends on the amount and duration of exposure, and some agents must be metabolically activated in the body to become cancer-causing. Examples include certain chemicals like asbestos or benzene, some forms of radiation such as ultraviolet or ionizing radiation, and certain viruses like HPV. The other terms describe different hazards: toxicants are broadly toxic substances that can harm the body in various ways, irritants cause inflammation or irritation, and allergens trigger allergic immune responses. Since the question asks for substances that can cause cancer, carcinogens is the precise term.