Final answer:
A cancer-causing substance identified by regulatory authorities such as NIOSH and ACGIH is termed a 'known carcinogen'. These substances contribute to increasing the risk of developing cancer by causing mutations in DNA or affecting cell replication rates.
Step-by-step explanation:
A cancer-causing substance identified in various published lists, such as the NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards and ACGIH TLVs and BEIs, is termed a known carcinogen. Carcinogens are agents that increase the incidence of cancer by damaging the DNA, either directly or after transformation into another compound within the body. The dose and duration of exposure, along with factors such as the individual's metabolism, can affect the potential for a chemical to cause cancer. Examples of known carcinogens include substances like formaldehyde, asbestos, radon, and tobacco smoke.
Chemicals identified as carcinogens can be natural or synthetic, and they are often categorized based on their effect on cellular processes. While all mutagens do not necessarily cause cancer, those that do are specifically classified as carcinogens. Carcinogenic compounds may act by promoting rapid cell division, leaving less time for cellular repair mechanisms to fix DNA damage, or they can act as mutagens themselves by directly causing mutations in the DNA.