[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2017\/03\/environmental-causes-of-cancer\/#Article","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2017\/03\/environmental-causes-of-cancer\/","headline":"Environmental Causes of Cancer: Carcinogens Around You","name":"Environmental Causes of Cancer: Carcinogens Around You","description":"The environment is filled with substances that can potentially lead to cancer in humans. Learn more about these carcinogens with our guide.","datePublished":"2017-03-14","dateModified":"2021-07-27","author":{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/hillman.upmc.com\/","name":"UPMC Hillman Cancer Center","url":"https:\/\/hillman.upmc.com\/","sameAs":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/upmc-hillman-cancer-center\/","parentOrganization":"UPMC"},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"UPMC HealthBeat","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/UPMC-HealthBeat-Logo.png","url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/UPMC-HealthBeat-Logo.png","width":600,"height":60}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/032017_CIGSCAUSECANCER.jpg","url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/032017_CIGSCAUSECANCER.jpg","height":325,"width":751},"url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2017\/03\/environmental-causes-of-cancer\/","about":["Cancer Care"],"wordCount":677,"keywords":["cancer","cancer in the environment","cancer-causing substances","carcinogens"],"articleBody":"Understanding Environmental Causes of CancerThe environment is filled with substances that can potentially lead to cancer in humans. Many people are familiar with some cancer-causing substances, which are broadly known as carcinogens.For example, many homes install\u00a0radon\u00a0detectors to notify homeowners when harmful, cancer-causing radon gas seeps inside. But there are many more carcinogens present around us, and it’s important to know where they can be and how we can limit our exposure.Remember, while some substances have been linked to cancer, exposure to them does not always lead to developing the disease. In addition to carcinogen exposure, a number of complex factors can lead to the development of cancer, including lifestyle and genetic makeup.Environmental Causes of CancerExamples of Carcinogens in NatureArsenic\u00a0is a common cancer-causing substance found in the environment. It occurs naturally in air, water, and soil.People can be exposed to arsenic by drinking contaminated water or eating plants fed by contaminated water. Several types of cancer are associated with ingesting arsenic over extended periods of time.Certain substances found in plants have been associated with cancer when the https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2017\/03\/carcinogens-in-environment\/plants or their products are ingested. Certain fungi found on plants like corn, peanuts, and tree nuts can contain\u00a0aflatoxins.Plants used for herbal medicines sometimes contain\u00a0aristolochic acids. Both of these substances have been linked to the development of cancer.One of the most well-known cancer-causing agents in the environment is ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. Exposure to the sun can cause skin cancer.Examples of Carcinogens in Building MaterialsExposure to\u00a0asbestos, which is found most often in the construction and shipbuilding industries, has been linked to lung cancer and mesothelioma, cancer of the chest and abdomen.\u00a0Wood dust\u00a0resulting from cutting wood using machines or tools has also been linked to cancer.People are exposed to\u00a0coal-tar products\u00a0when producing or using pavement tar, roofing tar, refractory bricks, or other coal-tar coatings. Coal-tar products are associated with an increased risk of cancer, particularly when they are absorbed through the skin, ingested, or inhaled.Examples of Carcinogens in Byproducts of ManufacturingThe manufacturing of many products results in the inhalation of fumes and other byproducts that may be high in carcinogens. Such cancer-causing substances include:Benzene\u2013 present in crude oil and frequently used in the chemical industry as a solvent or building block. Emitted from fires, including natural fires and burning cigarettesBeryllium\u2013 from the manufacture of products such as golf clubs, nuclear reactors, and aerospace componentsCadmium\u2013 from industries that use cadmium to produce other metalsChromium\u2013 from industries such as stainless steel production, metal finishing, or weldingFormaldehyde\u2013 from pressed woods during manufacture or subsequent use; also present in healthcare facilities and laboratories as disinfectant and preservativeNickel\u2013 from metal-working industries (mining, welding, etc.)Soot(can contain organic carcinogens as well as arsenic, cadmium, chromium)\u2013 from heating, burning, or demolition of various organic materialsVinyl Chloride\u2013 from the manufacture of vinyl productsExamples of Carcinogens in Tobacco SmokeThere is a strong, well-documented association between smoking tobacco and the development of various types of cancer. Secondhand tobacco smoke,\u00a0which is produced by smokers and inhaled by those around them also can cause cancer.According to the National Cancer Institute, second-hand tobacco smoke contains more than 7,000 chemicals and at least 69 of them are carcinogens. Many of the harmful substances listed above are present in tobacco smoke, including\u00a0arsenic,\u00a0coal-tar products,\u00a0benzene,\u00a0cadmium,\u00a0nickel, andformaldehyde.There is no safe level of exposure to cigarette smoke through direct inhalation or secondhand; people should definitely not smoke and should take care to avoid breathing the smoke of nearby tobacco smokers.Avoiding Cancer-Causing SubstancesThe United States has regulations in place to limit exposure to carcinogens in the workplace and elsewhere in the environment. The National Toxicology Program and the International Agency for Research on Cancer publish lists of known or suspected cancer-causing substances. Individuals can reference these lists to understand the risks associated with contact with certain carcinogens and limit their exposure."},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"2017","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2017\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"03","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2017\/\/03\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"Environmental Causes of Cancer: Carcinogens Around You","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2017\/03\/environmental-causes-of-cancer\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]