What classification is given to substances that can cause cancer?

The classification of substances that can cause cancer is termed a carcinogen. Carcinogens are specific agents or exposures that lead to the formation of cancer by altering cellular metabolism or damaging genetic material within cells, thereby inducing uncontrolled cell division. Understanding this classification is crucial for safety in environments where exposure to such substances may occur, as it enables appropriate handling, storage, and protective measures to prevent potential health risks.

While toxins refer broadly to harmful substances that can cause tissue or organ damage, not all toxins are carcinogenic. Hazards encompass a wider category of potential risks, including physical, chemical, or biological dangers, but do not specifically denote cancer-causing agents. Mutagens, although related as they can cause changes in the DNA and potentially lead to cancer, do not always have the same direct carcinogenic effect as carcinogens do. Thus, carcinogen is the most accurate and precise term for substances that are directly implicated in cancer development.