Occurrence of Carcinogens and their Potential Effects on Human Health – A Review

Abstract

The significant rise in cancer incidence and related deaths makes cancer one of the biggest threats to public health. Each year, there are about 10 million new cases of cancer and 6 million resultant deaths. In compliance with the disease triangle, the etiology of human cancer can be successfully traced to different environmental sources. Humans are continuously exposed to a wide range of different cancer-causing agents called carcinogens, such as household cleaners, solvents, pesticides, food additives, polluted air or environment, and other products. The Classification of Human Cancer by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) Monograph series was used as the primary data source for this review. We listed the cancer sites related to each agent based on the IARC review. Sources of these carcinogens were further grouped into classes in the IARC monograph. Home chemicals, environmental pollutants, occupational environments, environmental or medical radioactivity, drugs, microorganisms, contaminated air, and nutritional and behavioral choices are the sources of human exposure to carcinogens. The degree and frequency of exposure to carcinogens have a significant impact on their ability to cause cancer. The knowledge of carcinogens is crucial to creating awareness of cancer and advising the masses to reduce exposure to some environmental substances that are liable to cause cancer.