Which classification of hazardous substances is defined by the ability to cause cancer?

• A. Teratogenic substances
• B. Carcinogenic substances
• C. Hepatotoxic substances
• D. Neurotoxic substances

Answer: (B)

The main concept here is how substances are labeled by the health effect they can cause. A substance is called carcinogenic if it has the potential to cause cancer by initiating or promoting its development in living tissue. This labeling helps focus protective measures, exposure controls, and medical monitoring to reduce cancer risk for workers.

Teratogenic substances cause birth defects or developmental problems, hepatotoxic substances damage the liver, and neurotoxic substances affect the nervous system. Among these, only carcinogenic refers to cancer-causing potential, so it’s the best fit for a classification defined by the ability to cause cancer.