AP BIOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -Any substance that causes cancer is known as a carcinogen. But simply because a substance has been designated as a carcinogen does not mean that the substance will necessarily cause cancer.

Detailed explanation-2: -Simply because a substance has been designated as a carcinogen, however, does not mean that the substance will necessarily cause cancer. Many factors influence whether a person exposed to a carcinogen will develop cancer, including the amount and duration of the exposure and the individual’s genetic background.

Detailed explanation-3: -Some carcinogens cause cancer by changing a cell’s DNA. Others do not affect DNA directly, but lead to cancer in other ways. For example, they may cause cells to divide at a faster than normal rate, which could increase the chances that DNA changes will occur.

Detailed explanation-4: -That one that is probably not a carcinogenic substance? Caprolactam. The chemical is a precursor to nylon and “used in stretchy yoga pants and toothbrush bristles, ” notes Reuters. That’s not to say caprolactam is harmless.

Detailed explanation-5: -Risk estimates for lung cancer in the United States indicate that tobacco smoke is responsible for 90% of lung cancers.