Several industrial chemicals have been classified as known or probable carcinogens by agencies such as the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Some notable examples include:
Asbestos: Commonly used in building materials, asbestos exposure is linked to lung cancer and mesothelioma. Benzene: Found in solvents and various industrial processes, benzene is associated with leukemia. Formaldehyde: Used in the production of resins and as a preservative, formaldehyde exposure is linked to nasopharyngeal cancer and leukemia. Vinyl chloride: Utilized in the production of PVC, vinyl chloride is linked to liver cancer. Arsenic: Found in pesticides and treated wood, arsenic exposure is associated with skin, lung, and bladder cancers.