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CH3041
CARCINOGENICITY
• Carcinogens are chemicals which induce a cancerous tumour in which cell replication occurs in an uncontrolled manner. eg. C6H6
• Natural chemicals may be carcinogens
aflatoxin is a good example, so far ½ the chemicals assayed have tested positive.
aflatoxin is a good example, so far ½ the chemicals assayed have tested positive.
• Teratogens are chemicals that cause birth
defects by damaging fetal cells. eg. HgMe+
defects by damaging fetal cells. eg. HgMe+
• Mutagens alter DNA to produce inheritable
traits, often also carcinogens. eg. PAH
traits, often also carcinogens. eg. PAH
• Ames
test is used to assess mutagenicity & from this carcinogenicity is inferred.
