What kinds of environmental conditions are linked to cancer?

Answer 1

Diesel fuel and fumes are carcinogenic.

Answer 2

Um..everything..

But really it depends on the type of cancer you're profiling. All cancer that I know of is caused by the mutation of the gene that controls mitosis. Whether the gene is damaged from overexposure to ultraviolet radiation or whether it is damaged from exposure to carcinogens..the end result is the same. The gene "turns on" and stays on, and also the gene that is supposed to combat cancer is typically damaged as well. So the cell divides into two, then four, and so on and so forth until a mass of tissue called a tumor forms.

Anyways, to briefly answer your question...
The following are some causes for cancer..
Physical factors such as radiation and mechanical trauma..
Certain viral infections..
Chemicals such as tobacco tars, saccharine, some natural food chemicals..

All of these factors have one thing in common: they all cause mutations in DNA that alter the expression of certain genes. If you care, about half of all cancers involve malfunction or loss of just two tumor suppressor genes-p53 and p16. p53 is the gene that prompts most cells to make proteins that put the brakes on cell division. Another term for that gene would be a proto-oncogene. I mention this because the gene in your body that suppresses cancer is nothing more than a benign oncogene. An oncogene is a cancer-causing gene. =) Go figure eh?

Your proto-oncogenes have fragile sites that are broken when exposed to a carcinogen which is how they are converted to an oncogene. Those same oncogenes also sometimes "switch on" dormant genes that allow cells to become invasive and metastasize.

The reason that cancer is not more prevalent than it already is is due to our peroxisomal and lysosomal enzymes..and the immune system to an extent. They eliminate most of the carcinogens that enter the body. Also one mutation usually isn't enough. It would typically take several genetic changes to transform a normal cell into a cancerous cell.

Answer 3

High levels of radiation exposure (ie, staying out in the sun without UV protection, working with x-Rays), nuclear emissions, second-hand smoke

Answer 4

The broad answer is pollutants. Just the sort of thing we humans are so generous in sharing, willy-nilly, with all other creatures and living things on this planet.

Answer 5

CFCs are really bad for you, Pollution leads to a whole bunch of cancers (the big one probably being breast cancer).

Answer 6

Just about everything.
Lawn chemicals.
Cigarette smoke.
Plastics, especially when exposed to heat.
The "new car smell"...toxic according to chemists.
Asbestos.

Answer 7

too much sunlight