Final answer:
Carcinogens are substances that cause cancer, often through DNA mutations, and include a variety of chemicals that can be found in everyday products as outlined by the American Cancer Society. They contrast with teratogens, which are substances that cause birth defects rather than cancer.
Step-by-step explanation:
Carcinogens are best defined as substances that cause cancer. Carcinogens may be of various types, like chemical carcinogens, which can be natural or synthetic compounds that increase the incidence of cancer. A chemical becomes carcinogenic sometimes after being metabolized into another compound in the body. The American Cancer Society lists several probable chemical carcinogens which are present in processed foods, household products, pesticides, and more.
Teratogens, on the other hand, are agents that cause birth defects and may affect fetal development. Substances such as cigarette components, alcohol, and certain medications are known teratogens. Not all substances that cause DNA mutations, known as mutagens, cause cancer. However, those mutagens that do cause cancer are specifically recognized as carcinogens. Various factors, such as dosage, method of exposure, and genetic predispositions, significantly contribute to the effect carcinogens have on the development of cancer.