What is a carcinogen?

A carcinogen is defined as a substance that can lead to the development of cancer in living tissues. This typically refers to chemicals, compounds, or agents that have been shown to cause or promote cancer through various mechanisms in biological systems, such as damaging DNA or leading to abnormal cell growth. Understanding what constitutes a carcinogen is vital for fire service professionals, as they may encounter various hazardous materials during their work that can pose health risks over time. Recognizing and mitigating exposure to carcinogens is a key aspect of maintaining safety and health in the firefighting profession.