carcinogen

noun

any substance, radionuclide, or radiation that promotes carcinogenesis, the formation of cancer

Wiktionary

Pronunciation: /kɑɹˈsɪnəd͡ʒən/

noun

Etymology: Etymology tree English carcino- Proto-Indo-European *ǵenh₁- Proto-Indo-European *-os Proto-Indo-European *ǵénh₁os Proto-Hellenic *génos Ancient Greek γένος (génos) Proto-Indo-European *-os Proto-Indo-European *-ēs Ancient Greek -ης (-ēs) Ancient Greek -γενής (-genḗs)lbor. French -gènebor. English -gen English carcinogen From carcino- + -gen.

A substance or agent that can cause cancer.
“We know there are substances in our environment that are proven carcinogens—ionizing radiation, electromagnetic fields, organochlorines, pesticides and herbicides.”
“This isn’t the first benzene-related recall of 2021. In July, Johnson & Johnson recalled some spray-on Neutrogena and Aveeno sunscreens after it detected low levels of the carcinogen in the products.”