What is carcinogenicity ?

What is carcinogenicity ?

There are so many poly nuclear hydrocarbons which are produced from benzene or fused benzene ring, are very poisonous.

Out of them, there are many poly nuclear hydro carbons or substance which can lead to cancer. Such types of substances are called carcinogenic.

Now, different carcinogenic substances have different strength to occur cancer in human body. This phenomenon of different ability of different carcinogenic substance is called carcinogenicity.

The carcinogenic substance enter our body through breathing  and takes part into different bio chemical reaction which damaged  DNA of human body. As  a result of this cancer is caused  in body.

The  structure of some  carcinogenic substances are  shown  below ,

How carcinogenic substance  affect  human  body ?

After entering the human body, all the poly nuclear hydrocarbons under goes oxidation and it is transformed first epoxide and later dihydroxy epoxides.

These dihydroxy epoxides react with the purine bases  ( such as adenine, thymine, guanine etc) of DNA and RNA of our body cells. 
Due to association of poly nuclear hydrocarbons, the size of purine bases increases. 

As a result of this, abnormal growth of purine bases occurs and they can’t compile their place into DNA system. Thus, the two chains of DNA damage and mutation occur, which can lead to cancer.

How does control or prevent carcinogenic substances?

We can control or prevent the carcinogenic substances, if we follow or maintain the given following method or procedure.

Personally, we can reduce carcinogenic substances by substitution with less hazardous substances. 

We can also use the alternative form of carcinogenic substances to minimize the risk of exposure.

Standard containment devices, such as, fume hoods, glove boxes, use of high efficiency particular air filters, ventilated containment or placing the carcinogenic substances in a sealed weighed container.

The employment of these methods and equipment can help to reduce the unnecessary exposure to the carcinogens such as poly cyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.

A quick response to an accident or spill can greatly reduce exposure to a carcinogenic substance.

 If an accident or spill occurs ensure that the contaminated materials are disposed of in the correct hazardous waste bin, a correct spill kit is used on the spill.

 In case of a liquid spill, ensure that the spill is cleaned as soon as possible to prevent the formation of aerosols.

The correct personal protective equipment must be worn when handling carcinogens. 

Ensure safety goggles, impermeable gloves, face shield, impermeable apron, closed shoes, long sleeved lab coat are worn.

The correct storage of carcinogens is important in reduce exposure .Limit access to 

Carcinogen keeping containers and amounts used as small as possible, double, containers and chemical resistant trays. 

Store in designated area with the appropriate hazard signed and ventilation if required. 

The carcinogens should be stored in a separate area to flammable solids and corrosive liquids as to avoid any damage to containers and possible leaking of carcinogenic compounds.

After use of a carcinogen or if exposure to a carcinogen has occurred, ensure the correct decontamination procedure is executed. 

Personnel must wash hands and arms with soap and water immediately after handling. 

All surfaces should be wiped down with an appropriate cleaning agent. 

All waste materials and contaminated PPE must be disposed  in hazardous waste bins. All equipment used must be decontaminated before removing them from the designated area.

Practice problems:

• What is carcinogenicity ? 
• What is carcinogenic substances ?
• How carcinogenic substance affect  human  body ?
• How does control or prevent the carcinogenic substance?

What do you mean by synergic effect ?