It may seem as if every day we hear on the news, or other social media news outlet that something “new” causes cancer. This information can be very distressing to some people and yet others reaction may be to simply shrug the “new” information off as not believable, in example “you can’t believe everything you read online”.
In this age of instant coverage its true you really do need to check your sources of information before taking them as fact, especially when you’re talking about something as serious as cancer. Everyone wants to protect themselves, their family and friends from harm.
This is especially true when it comes to the most vulnerable among us. In protecting our loved ones i.e. your infants, growing children, the sick, and the elderly it’s very important to have reliable, available, factual information that is based on scientific findings not sensationalized news designed to boost viewership or ratings.
The purpose of this article is to provide you with a factual resource for the latest scientific information and resources available to the public regarding cancer-causing substances and the possible sources of exposure. Simply put, separating fact from fiction.
What Is A Carcinogen?
Carcinogens are substances which the federal government has determined may be hazardous to humans. These substances are put into a classification system that rates them on their potential to cause harm, specifically cancer, in humans. There are numerous organizations that through scientific study have made the determination of these substances’ classification as a carcinogenic substance and rated them.
The classification of a substance as a carcinogen is primarily based on animal studies conducted by the various scientific organizations from which a list has been compiled. The list of these substances is then published by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services National Toxicology Program. Because scientific studies are ongoing the list of carcinogens may be added to or changed as new scientific findings or information comes forward.
Below is a list of carcinogens (last updated March 3, 2011) compiled and published by the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry. By clicking on the links below you can view each of the toxic substances, their description, where these substances are found and what they are used for pertaining to human consumption or exposure.
You’ll also find other helpful links there that can answer many of the questions you might have in regards to a toxic substance such as; a complete profile of the toxic substance, a quick reference guide explaining all the physical and chemical properties of the substance and other useful information i.e. priority list of hazardous substances, sources of exposure, minimal risk levels, children’s health, etc. and others.
Because the sources of these toxic substances can be found in many routes of exposure it isn’t practical to try to include all the information on each toxic substance in this article, but that information can be viewed by clicking on the links below:
Content source: Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry
Most Viewed Toxic Substances
- Aluminum
- Ammonia
- Arsenic
- Benzene
- Cadmium
- Chromium
- DDT, DDE, and DDD
- Formaldehyde
- Lead
- Mercury
- Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs)
- Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs)
- Toluene
- Trichloroethylene (TCE)
For more information you can contact:
Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry
4770 Buford Hwy. NE
Atlanta, GA 30341
Contact CDC: 800-232- 4636 / TTY: 888- 232- 6346
