Environmental Exposure

Environmental factors with possible links to cancer include

• Lifestyle factors such as tobacco use, nutrition and physical activities
• Naturally occurring exposures (ultraviolet lighting, infectious agents and radon, for example)
• Medical treatments, including chemotherapy, immune-suppressing drugs and radiation
• Household and workplace exposures
• Pollution

Carcinogens is the term that describes substances and exposures that can lead to cancer.

Carcinogens may have different levels of cancer-causing potential. Some may cause cancer only after high levels of exposure over an extended time. The risk of developing cancer for any one person depends on several factors, including how they are exposed to the substance, the length of exposure and individual genetic makeup.

A number of chemicals are discussed as possible causes of cancer, including antiperspirants, hair dyes, talcum powder and food additives. For more information about specific products and chemicals that may be linked to various types of cancers, visit the American Cancer Society Web site at www.cancer.org.

To learn more about cancer, see the Types of Cancer and Other Resources sections on this site.