Which chemical property identifies a substance that may cause cancer?

Which chemical property identifies a substance that may cause cancer?

• A. Carcinogenic
• B. Teratogenic
• C. Neurological
• D. Reproductive

Answer: (A)

The property that identifies a substance with the potential to cause cancer is termed carcinogenic. Carcinogens are substances that can lead to cancer by causing changes in cellular mechanisms or resulting in mutations in DNA. This property is specifically focused on the ability of a substance to initiate or promote cancerous growth, distinguishing it from other toxicological hazards. The other properties listed, while harmful, relate to different effects. Teratogenic substances cause developmental defects in a fetus, neurological properties impact the nervous system, and reproductive properties affect reproductive health and fertility. Each of these categories pertains to different types of health risks and outcomes, making carcinogenic the appropriate choice for identifying substances specifically related to cancer causation.

The property that identifies a substance with the potential to cause cancer is termed carcinogenic. Carcinogens are substances that can lead to cancer by causing changes in cellular mechanisms or resulting in mutations in DNA. This property is specifically focused on the ability of a substance to initiate or promote cancerous growth, distinguishing it from other toxicological hazards.

The other properties listed, while harmful, relate to different effects. Teratogenic substances cause developmental defects in a fetus, neurological properties impact the nervous system, and reproductive properties affect reproductive health and fertility. Each of these categories pertains to different types of health risks and outcomes, making carcinogenic the appropriate choice for identifying substances specifically related to cancer causation.