What is carcinogen?

A carcinogen is a substance that is capable of causing cancer in living tissue. Carcinogens can be found in various sources such as chemicals, radiation, and biological agents. When exposed to a carcinogen, cells can undergo genetic mutations that can lead to uncontrolled growth and division, ultimately resulting in the development of cancer.

Some well-known carcinogens include tobacco smoke, ultraviolet radiation from the sun, asbestos, and certain chemicals used in industry such as benzene and formaldehyde. It is important to limit exposure to carcinogens whenever possible to reduce the risk of developing cancer.

Regulatory agencies such as the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classify certain substances as known, probable, or possible carcinogens based on scientific evidence. This information is used to inform public health policies and guidelines to protect individuals from exposure to harmful carcinogens.