Chemistry JAMB

A carcinogenic substance is?

A. asbestos dust
B. sawdust
C. nitrogen (II) oxide
D. carbon (II) oxide

Correct Answer:

Option A – asbestos dust

EXPLANATION:

The correct answer is A.A carcinogen is any substance, radionuclide, or radiation that is an agent directly involved in causing cancer. This may be due to the ability to damage the genome or to the disruption of cellular metabolic processes. Several radioactive substances are considered carcinogens, but their carcinogenic activity is attributed to the radiation, for example, gamma rays and alpha particles, which they emit. Common examples of non-radioactive carcinogens are inhaled asbestos, certain dioxins, and tobacco smoke.

Asbestos is a group of naturally produced chemicals composed of silicon compounds. It is used in insulation materials due to heat resistance. Human exposure is through inhalation (from disruption of materials containing asbestos) and ingestion (contaminated food/water). Tiny asbestos fibers in the air can get trapped and accumulate in the lungs. Asbestos is linked to an increased risk of lung cancer, and the development of mesothelioma (cancer of the thin lining surrounding the lung (pleural membrane) or abdominal cavity (the peritoneum) and laryngeal cancer. Cancer may appear 30 to 50 years after exposure. Asbestos is a known human carcinogen.

Sunday

Share
Published by
Sunday
Tags: Chemistry

Recent Posts

List of Universities Offering Veterinary Medicine in Nigeria

Veterinary medicine is the branch of medicine that deals with the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment…

3 months ago

List of Universities Offering Anthropology in Nigeria

Anthropology is the scientific study of human beings and their cultures. It encompasses a wide…

3 months ago

List of Universities Offering Sociology in Nigeria

Sociology is the scientific study of human society, culture, and behavior. It examines the social…

3 months ago

List of Universities Offering Social Work in Nigeria

Social Work is a profession dedicated to helping individuals, families, and communities to cope with…

3 months ago

List of Universities Offering Religious Studies in Nigeria

Religious studies is an academic discipline that explores the beliefs, practices, and history of various…

3 months ago

List of Universities Offering Public Administration in Nigeria

Public administration is the field of study and practice that focuses on the organization and…

3 months ago