Question

How is radiation a physical carcinogen?

Answer 1

Carcinogens:

1. Carcinogens are cancer-producing agents.
2. Carcinogens are of three types-

• Physical carcinogens: These include-

1. Hard and soft materials, gels, fibrous, and non-fibrous materials.
2. Ionizing radiations change the structure of DNA molecules that causes cancer.
3. Prolonged exposure to X-rays
4. Overexposure to sunlight (UV rays).

• Chemical carcinogens:

1. Asbestos
2. Various radioactive elements like radon
3. Vinyl chloride, benzene, etc.

• Biological carcinogens:

1. Oncogenes
2. Various viruses like human papillomavirus, hepatitis B virus, etc.