Carcinogens: A Comparison of Benzene and Asbestos

Running head: CARCINOGENS
CARCINOGENS
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CARCINOGENS
Introduction
Carcinogenic compounds are substances that have the potential to cause cancer. Carcinogens can
even be in the form of radiation. Some of the most potent carcinogens are radiations, such as
gamma and x-rays. These radiations cause changes in the DNA, causing mutations that result in
the development of cancer tumors. Some of the chemicals act in the same manner as the
radiations in causing mutations. One of the cancerous mutagens is benzene. Benzene is a
compound that is readily used as a starting compound in the manufacture of many compounds,
such as plastics, drugs, pesticides, and lubricants (Snyder, 2017). The uses of benzene have
reduced after research showed that it is a potent mutagen and a carcinogen. Asbestos is a form of
a compound that exists in the form of fibers. Asbestos has a unique property because it is heat
resistant and does not conduct electricity. For that reason, it has been widely used as an
insulating material. The use of asbestos has reduced overtime after studies showed that people
who were exposed to the fibers were at a high risk of developing lung cancer and mesothelioma.
Asbestos is a non-mutagenic carcinogen.
Comparison and contrast between benzene and asbestos as potent carcinogens
For both benzene and asbestos, the main routes of exposure are through inhalation. Benzene
exists in vapor form in the air, and it is easily taken in by people working in places where the
compound is used. Examples of such areas are laboratories, gas stations, and industries involved
in the manufacturing of lubricants. Asbestos, on the other hand, exists in the form of fine fibers.
These fibers are found in the air, especially in the construction areas and old buildings where the
asbestos has become worn out. People involved in asbestos mining are at a high risk of getting
intoxicated with the compound (Donaldson et al., 2013).

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For both of these carcinogens, exposure can result in other health problems other than cancer.
For asbestos, exposure can lead to a condition known as asbestosis, which is caused by the
scarring of the lungs by the asbestos fibers. Long-Time exposure to asbestos causes the lodging
of the fibers in the lungs resulting in scarring of the lungs. Benzene is a highly toxic compound
and affects the nervous system in high doses. The effect on the nervous system is manifested
through headaches, dizziness, tremors, unconsciousness, and even confusion. High doses can
also result in death. Benzene is also an irritant and irritates the skin. Long-Time exposure to
benzene can result in the development of anemia.
Benzene is a polycyclic aromatic compound that is easily oxidized to form epoxides (Aksoy,
2017). When it is taken into the body, it becomes oxidized by cytochrome P450. 2’-
deoxyguanosine is a component of the DNA which acts as a nucleophile. When it encounters
oxidized benzene, it attaches to it, resulting in the change of its configuration. The difference in
shape changes the structure of the DNA, which is manifested in the gene transcription. These
changes are called mutations and can be cancerous, resulting in the uncontrolled division of the
cells, which creates tumors. Asbestos, on the other hand, is not a mutagen and mainly causes
cancer through direct interaction with the outer cells of the lungs. The fibers irritate the cells in
the lungs, and the irritation can result in lung cancer or mesothelioma (Abdul-Jabbar and Martini,
2015).
The most affected organs in the people exposed to asbestos are the lungs. The toxicant affects the
cells lining the lungs. Apart from lung cancer, exposure to asbestos also causes mesothelioma,
which is cancer that affects the cells that line the lungs (Kadariya et al., 2016). Studies have also
shown that exposure to asbestos can also cause cancer of the larynx. Unlike the asbestos that acts
locally on sites of exposure, benzene causes cancer at sites away from the site of exposure.