Carcinogen

Definition:

A carcinogen is defined as any substance that can cause or aggravate cancer.

The International Agency for Research on Cancer assigns carcinogens a rating by grouping them into one the following five standard classifications:

• Group 1: The agent is carcinogenic to humans.

• Group 2A: The agent is probably carcinogenic to humans.

• Group 2B: The agent is possibly carcinogenic to humans.

• Group 3: The agent is not classifiable as to its carcinogenicity to humans.

• Group 4: The agent is probably not carcinogenic to humans.

See also: Cancer

Sources:

• Terms of Environment. 02 August 2007. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

• IARC Monographs - Classifications. 2004. International Agency for Research on Cancer.