A carcinogen is any substance that is an agent directly involved in causing cancer. This may be due to the ability to damage the genrom or to the disruption of cellular metabolic processes. Several radioactive substances are considered carcinogens, but their carcinogenic activity is attributed to the radiation, for example gamma rays and aphia particles, which they emit. Common examples of non-radioactive carcinogens are inhaled smoke, certain dioxions, and tobacco smoke. Although the public generally associates carcinogenicity with synthetic chemicals, it is equally likely to arise in both natural and synthetic substances. Carcinogens are not necessarily immediately toxic, but their effect can be insidious.

There are many examples of carcinogens in our environment. Most people are aware of the common carcinogens. These include tobacco and tobacco smoke, pesticides used to control bugs, asbestos, radon, and arsenic. What we aren’t aware of is how many carcinogens are present in our everyday products, foods, and environment. Some of these substances are naturally occurring, like asbestos, which is only harmful when it is breathed in in large amounts. There are 14 known carcinogens 8 new added this year.

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