Carcinotoxic

Carcinotoxic refers to a substance or agent that is capable of causing cancer. This means that exposure to a carcinotoxic agent can lead to the development of malignant tumors. Carcinogens can act through various mechanisms, including damaging DNA, interfering with cellular repair processes, or promoting uncontrolled cell growth.

The classification of a substance as carcinotoxic is typically based on evidence from epidemiological studies in humans, animal experiments, or in vitro tests. Regulatory agencies like the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) evaluate scientific data to identify and categorize carcinogens. These classifications help inform public health policies and guidelines for exposure prevention.

Examples of carcinotoxic agents include certain chemicals like asbestos and benzene, radiation such as ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun and ionizing radiation, and some infectious agents like certain viruses. The risk of developing cancer from exposure to a carcinotoxic agent often depends on factors such as the dose, duration, and route of exposure, as well as individual susceptibility. Understanding carcinotoxicity is crucial for risk assessment and the implementation of measures to reduce cancer incidence.