/ Preparation Chemistry Hydrocarbon
Hydrocarbons are used in a variety of industrial purposes such as fuels, plastics, drug manufacturing, medicines, etc. While they are often useful in commerical purposes, some of these compounds can have their own set of disadvantages such as causing serious health hazards which can prove to be fatal. Here, the terms carcinogenicity (ability to cause cancer in the living organism) and toxicity (intensity of harmful impacts on the living being) come into notice.
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- What are Carcinogenic Hydrocarbons?
- What are Toxic Hydrocarbons?
- What Makes Hydrocarbons Carcinogenic or Toxic?
- How to Handle These Hydrocarbons Safely?
- Class 11 Chemistry NCERT Solutions: Chapter Wise
What are Carcinogenic Hydrocarbons?
A compound is called carcinogenic if it simply has the potential to cause cancer in living organisms. These compounds are made of carbon and hydrogen atoms and are formed during an incomplete combustion. Carcinogenic hydrocarbons are usually found in emissions, smoke, fuels, etc and can be categorized into:
1. Benzene (𝐶6𝐻6): Long-term exposure to benzene can lead to fatal diseases like leukemia, a type of blood cancer which can get into the body and forms reactive compounds. These compounds damage the DNA leading to cancer over time.
2. Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs): These are simply multiple benzene rings fused together which have harmful properties eventually leading to death of the living being. Some commonly known examples include:
- Naphthalene (𝐂𝟏𝟎𝐇𝟖)
- Benzo[a]pyrene
- Alkanes and Alkynes
What are Toxic Hydrocarbons?
Toxic hydrocarbons are another type of hydrocarbons which may not cause cancer but definitely can have other harmful effects on the human body which can cause even death, if not controlled over the time. Their level of toxicity depends on factors such as structure, duration of contact, level of exposure, etc.
Some popular examples of toxic hydrocarbons are:
• Benzene (𝐶6𝐻6)
• Toluene (𝐶6𝐻5𝐶𝐻3)
• Alkanes/Alkenes (under specific conditions)
What Makes Hydrocarbons Carcinogenic or Toxic?
• Type of hydrocarbon
• Duration of contact
• Amount of the hydrocarbon
• Route of exposure
These hydrocarbons will cause mutations by damaging the DNA cells of our body, eventually leading to cancer. Also, They metabolize with the organs of our bodies such as lungs, liver, kidneys, brain, etc. and harm the sensitive tissues which further leads to severe headache, dizziness, body pain, dehydration, and even memory loss. This allows them to take control over our nervous system and cause harmful chemical reaction in our bodies, such as disrupting the nervous system and affecting the bone marrow.
How to Handle These Hydrocarbons Safely?
• Specially avoid inhaling harmful vapors as these are only the leading factor to exposure of poisonous chemicals.
• Avoid burning materials (such as pyre of wood in a lockedroom) in enclosed areas.
• Keep well handlinf storage options for such dangerous chemicals.
• After working with such chemicals, ensure to dispose them off properly.
Class 11 Chemistry NCERT Solutions: Chapter Wise
Commonly asked questions
Can carcinogens be prepared in a lab? Is it safe?
Yes. Indeed there are various scientists who are trained to prepare and handle these carcinogens safely in a laboratory. These carcinogens are used to prepare various useful substances such as drugs and medicines so their usage needs to be monitored regularly and handled carefully. The production must comply with legal rules and standards.
Will there be any cure for cancer in the upcoming time?
There exist different types of cancer, some of which have a remedy to be treated and some of which may never have in the near future. Technologies have advanced, the field of Science and biomedical sector have witnessed significant improvements in the previous decades. Many cancers which seemed impossible to be treated years ago have today a reliable cure. So it depends on which type of cancer and which stage of cancer are you specifically talking about.
Is there any way to reduce the carcinogenicity/toxicity of a substance?
It may vary, depending on the type of substance you are talking about. Some can have their carcinogenic/toxic levels reduced and some may not. Some processes involve detoxification, overheating, altering the chemical structure etc. You can also yourself avoid exposure to these substances by adopting healthy lifestyle habits like jogging, yoga, exercising, sports, meditation etc. and staying away from cigarettes, alcohol, tobacco and others.
Chemistry Hydrocarbon Exam
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