Carcinogens: Chemicals

Theoretically, any chemical is potentially harmful and maybe carcinogenic if the concentration is high enough and the exposure is long enough.  Therefore, it is a good idea to avoid unnecessary chemicals if all possible.  However, some chemicals do have higher tendencies to intervene DNA replication or cell metabolism; these are generally referred to as carcinogenic chemicals.  Specific examples of chemical carcinogens (some are from natural source) include asbestos, arsenic, dioxins, benzene, tobacco, formaldehyde, ethylene oxide, etc.

In general, most people don’t often get in touch with these specific substances unless they work in chemical or related industry.  However, we are often under the exposure of certain chemicals and may not realize it.  For example, we need to go to the gas stations on a regular basis and it has been reported that long-term exposure of gasoline vapor increased the risk of lung, nasal, or kidney cancer; the risk of cancer was related to the chemicals in the gasoline vapor including benzene.  The good news is that most people are not under the long-term exposure of gasoline vapor; nevertheless, I do think it is a good idea not to stand right next to the nozzle to inhale the gas vapor when you pump your gas.

Let’s look at one specific example of carcinogenic chemicals, dioxins.  Dioxins are a group of chemically-related compounds found throughout the world in the environment; they may accumulate in the fatty tissue of animals.  Most of human exposure is through food, mainly meat, dairy products, fish, and shellfish.  Dioxins are highly toxic and may cause reproductive and developmental problems, damage the immune system, interfere with hormones, and also cause cancer.

© Jiajiu Shaw, 2015

Disclaimer: This blog is written solely for informational purposes. It does not constitute the practice of any medical, nursing or other medical professional health care advice, diagnosis, or treatment. All contents posted are extracted from the book I am writing, "IS CANCER IN US", to be published in about two months.