Carcinogens are best known as substances capable of causing cancer in living tissue. Looking at our lecture notes, we learn that cancer rates increased dramatically from 1900 to 1990. People can inherit cancer genetically or through natural exposure. It is said and believed that the substances we use every day can expose us to cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, environmental factors can include a wide range of exposures, such as diet, medical treatments, workplace exposures, pollution, home exposures and natural exposures. Scientists often experiment in animals and cell cultures to determine what can cause different types of cancer. I do not believe that new chemicals undergo adequate or sufficient testing before being marketed. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay One such chemical that may unfortunately go unnoticed is arsenic. Arsenic in drinking water can cause liver, bladder, lung, skin and kidney cancer. However, the scarier reality for me is the amount of chemicals and “toxins” that currently coat our foods for the purpose of driving up the corporate dollar by extending shelf life as long as possible. An infamous example of a chemical added to our food that deserves greater alarm is brominated vegetable oil, also known as “BVO.” Brominated vegetable oil is a common additive to many bottled sodas, sports drinks, and many citrus-flavored drinks. Unfortunately, BVO is known to increase cholesterol levels, and repeated consumption can also cause serious liver and kidney damage. Another particular group of chemicals that really should be left off the plate are benzoate preservatives, also known informally as "BHT, BHA, TBHQ." These chemicals have definite links to hormonal imbalance, hives, increased cancer risk, hyperactivity, and asthma. You may find these chemicals "lurking" in your favorite cereals, varieties of chewing gum, nut mixes, some brands of butter, and even raw meat packages. Aflaxtoxins, aminobiphenyl, asbestos and azathiorprine are just to name a few other dangerous inorganic substances used in everyday products that cause cancer. These products make up a growing list and include names like Johnson and Johnson baby powder, Ajax, Lysol, Oscar Mayer beef deli, and Crest toothpaste etc. As studies show, carcinogens are no laughing matter. Please note: this is just an example. Get a custom paper from our expert writers now. Get a Custom Essay I find it both disheartening and disgusting how many chemicals are introduced into our environment without thorough scientific testing. Cancer is a disease that affects many families and, rather tragically, is often diagnosed too late to be cured. I have a dear friend who I consider family; her sister, who was 15 at the time, was diagnosed with stage 4 brain cancer. If only we stopped and cared more about the chemicals we use on a daily basis. Carcinogens are a real health hazard. Since it accumulates in the human body in large quantities, there is a high probability that cells will be damaged, resulting in the growth of cancer cells. The chemicals we ingest into our bodies through food consumption and the chemicals that.