What does the term carcinogenic mean?

The term carcinogenic refers to substances or agents that are capable of inducing malignant tumors, which are cancerous growths in the body. When a material is classified as carcinogenic, it means that exposure to it may increase the risk of developing cancer due to its potential to alter cellular processes and promote uncontrolled cell division. This classification is important for public health, as understanding which substances pose a cancer risk can help in making informed decisions regarding safety and exposure.

In contrast, options indicating allergic reactions or effectiveness against insects do not relate to cancerous growths or tumors. Additionally, labeling something as harmless to humans directly contradicts the implications of carcinogenicity, as carcinogens are, by definition, harmful when it comes to cancer risk. Therefore, the definition aligns explicitly with the induction of malignant tumors, confirming that this choice is the accurate representation of the term.