Which of the following is classified as a carcinogen?

Which of the following is classified as a carcinogen?

• A. Benzene
• B. Radiolysis
• C. Formaldehyde
• D. Asbestos

Answer: (C)

Carcinogens are substances proven to cause cancer in humans or animals, and safety guidelines label certain chemicals with that risk based on evidence from research and regulatory bodies. Formaldehyde is one of those substances; major agencies classify it as a human carcinogen, with evidence linking exposure to cancers such as nasopharyngeal cancer and potentially other cancer types. It’s a volatile compound found in many materials and products, and it can be released into the air during manufacturing, use, or burning, which makes it a relevant hazard in indoor and occupational environments, including some fireground scenarios where combustion products are generated. Radiolysis isn’t a chemical agent at all; it’s a process—the breakdown of molecules caused by radiation—so it isn’t something that can be classified as a carcinogen.

Carcinogens are substances proven to cause cancer in humans or animals, and safety guidelines label certain chemicals with that risk based on evidence from research and regulatory bodies. Formaldehyde is one of those substances; major agencies classify it as a human carcinogen, with evidence linking exposure to cancers such as nasopharyngeal cancer and potentially other cancer types. It’s a volatile compound found in many materials and products, and it can be released into the air during manufacturing, use, or burning, which makes it a relevant hazard in indoor and occupational environments, including some fireground scenarios where combustion products are generated.

Radiolysis isn’t a chemical agent at all; it’s a process—the breakdown of molecules caused by radiation—so it isn’t something that can be classified as a carcinogen.