Environmental carcinogenesis

Abstract

Environmental carcinogens are broadly defined as compounds that humans are exposed to through diet, lifestyle, infectious agents, and occupation. They are considered as nongenetic factors that contribute to cancer risk. A subset of known and reasonably anticipated human carcinogens can be classified as environmental carcinogens and include such compounds as dioxins, metals, components of pesticides, the polyaromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) benzo(a)pyrene (BaP), and mineral fibers such as erionite and asbestos2 (Table 18.1). These contaminants are major constituents of indoor and outdoor air pollution, water, soil, and food products. © 2006 Springer Science+Business Media, Inc.