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.
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?
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