Carcinogen

A carcinogen is any substance, radionuclide, or radiation that promotes carcinogenesis, the formation of cancer.

General aspects

Classification

Carcinogens can be classified as genotoxic or nongenotoxic.

• Genotoxins cause irreversible genetic damage or mutations by binding to DNA. Genotoxins include chemical agents like N-nitroso-N-methylurea (NMU) or non-chemical agents such as ultraviolet light and ionizing radiation. Certain viruses can also act as carcinogens by interacting with DNA.
• Nongenotoxins do not directly affect DNA but act in other ways to promote growth. These include hormones and some organic compounds.

Known carcinogens

• Aldehydes: formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, etc.
• Aromatics: benzene, phenol, etc.
• Ethers: dioxane, ethylene oxide, etc.
• Halocarbons: dichloromethane, chloroform, carbon tetrachloride, methyl iodide, ethyl iodide, etc.
• Metals: beryllium, cadmium, thallium, etc.
• Mycotoxins: aflatoxin, etc.
• Radioactives: radium, radon, uranium, etc.
• Other: asbestos, crystalline silica gel, hydrazine, etc.

How to limit contact with carcinogenic substances in the lab

• Have adequate ventilation
• Wear proper protection in the lab (protection gloves, white coat, respirator/gas mask)
• Work outside or in a fume hood
• Try to work with them only a few times per month or year
• Avoid working with volatile carcinogenic reagents, limit yourself to non-volatile ones

References

Relevant Sciencemadness threads

• The POTENCY of carcinogens.
• How carcinogenic is benzene really?