Carcinogen
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A carcinogen is any substance, radionuclide, or radiation that promotes carcinogenesis, the formation of cancer.
Contents
[hide]General aspects
Classification
There are multiple classifications for carcinogenic compounds, depending on their mechanism.
The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classifies carcinogens into four groups:
- Group 1: Carcinogenic to humans
- Group 2A: Probably carcinogenic to humans
- Group 2B: Possibly carcinogenic to humans
- Group 3: Not classifiable as to its carcinogenicity to humans
- Group 4: Probably not carcinogenic to humans
One classification separates them into 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, hexavalent chromium, 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
