The substances listed below are among the most likely carcinogens to affect human health, according to the National Toxicology Program’s 14th Report on Carcinogens. Although a substance is designated as a carcinogen, it does not mean the substance can necessarily cause cancer. Many factors influence whether a person exposed to a carcinogen will develop cancer, including the amount and duration of the exposure and the individual’s genetic background.
Cancer
Cancer is caused by changes to certain genes that alter the way our cells function. Some of these genetic changes occur naturally when DNA is replicated during the process of cell division. But others are the result of environmental exposures that damage DNA. These exposures may include substances, such as the chemicals in tobacco smoke, or radiation, such as ultraviolet rays from the sun.
Cancer-Causing Substances in the Environment
It is possible to avoid some cancer-causing exposures, including tobacco smoke and the sun’s rays, but others may be harder to avoid, especially if they are in the air we breathe, the water we drink, the food we eat or the materials we use to do our jobs. Scientists are studying which exposures may cause or contribute to the development of cancer. Understanding which exposures are harmful, and where they are found, may help people to avoid them.
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