The Main Classes Of Chemical Carcinogens

Question 1

Who collects all the data for putative carcinogens from all over the world?

Answer 1

The International Agency for Reseach on Cancer (IARC)

Question 2

How many classes does the IARC divide compounds in?

Answer 2

4

Question 3

Describe Group 1 compounds

Answer 3

These are definitive carcinogens for human cells and tissues. There is solid evidence coming from clinical and pathological studies and backround information from experimenal studies.

Question 4

Describe Group 2 compounds

Answer 4

These are possible (2a) and probable (2b) carcinogens. Both should be treated as potentially dangerous

Question 5

Describe Group 3 compounds

Answer 5

Chemicals for which there is extensive data for animal cells but for which a definitive statement cannot be made about their carcinogenicity in humans

Question 6

Describe Group 4 compounds

Answer 6

Chemicals that may behave as carcinogens on certain species but are probably not important in humans

Question 7

Carcinogens all show a ________________ relationship

Answer 7

Structure-activity

Question 8

What is the major implication in terms of regulation when it comes to chemical carcinogens?

Answer 8

Workplace safety

Question 9

Name some hydrocarbons which are carcinogens

Answer 9

Benzene, Benzopirene

Question 10

What is asbestos?

Answer 10

A set of 6 naturally occuring silicate minerals used commercially fortheir desiarable physical properties

Question 11

What does the inhalation of asbestos fibres cause?

Answer 11

After long exposure to high concentrations, it cn cause serious illness including malignant lung cancer, mesothelioma and asbestosis (a type of pneumoconiosis)

Question 12

What is Vinyl chloride?

Answer 12

It’s an organochloride with the formula H2C:CHCl
Aka vinyl chloride monomer, VCM or chloroethene

It’s a colourless compound used in the production of PVC. It’s highly toxic, flammable and carcinogenic

Question 13

Carcinogens are potent….

Answer 13

Mutagens!