Final answer:
Asbestos is the potential cancer-causing agent commonly found in construction materials and adhesives. When disturbed, it can lead to lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis. Radon and formaldehyde are also carcinogens associated with building materials.
Step-by-step explanation:
The potential cancer-causing agent used in some construction material and adhesives is asbestos. This hazardous material was once widely used for its durability and fire resistance in products such as insulation, roofing, and flooring. When asbestos-containing materials are disturbed or damaged, they release fine fibers into the air that, when inhaled, can lead to serious health problems, including lung cancer, mesothelioma (a rare cancer of the lining of the chest and abdominal cavity), and asbestosis (a chronic lung disease).
Other carcinogens found in the environment can include radon, a natural radioactive gas that can accumulate in homes and formaldehyde, a toxic gas emitted from building materials. Both radon and formaldehyde have been associated with an increased risk of lung cancer, especially in combination with other factors such as tobacco smoke.