7.5 alcohol and other carcinogens

• alcohol is a commonly used social drug which is very addictive.
• alcohol enters the bloodstream and enters all parts of the body including the brain and liver.
• large amounts of alcohol affect the nervous system, slowing reactions, reflexes and thought process.
• The liver breaks down the alcohol however, over a long period of heavy drinking the liver becomes damaged and the person may have cirrhosis.
• Long-term alcohol abuse can also cause damage to the brain.
• If a pregnant woman drinks alcohol it can cause physical problems for the fetus such as facial deformities and heart problems.
• ionising radiation is carcinogenic.
• radiation penetrates the cells and damages the chromosomes, leading to mutations in the DNA.
• sources of ionising radiation include:

  • UV light from the sun.
  • radon gas
  • medical and dental x-rays