how does char cause cancer?

iScience

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10 years ago

char is mainly composed of carbon; i take it it's not the carbon that does damage but the other stuff char is composed of. But just my guess.. so what is the chemistry behind the cancer causing agent and what IS this agent?

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doseofmegan

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10 years ago

Here's info that I've found on the topic. Hope it helps some! "Charring meat over an open flame produces cancer-causing substances (known as carcinogens) that may be harmful when eaten. Research done by the University of Minnesota showed that when meat is cooked very well, or even just well, by means of frying, grilling, or barbecuing, it forms heterocyclic amines. The charred portions of well-done meat have the highest concentration of HAs and those portions should not be consumed."

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iScience Author

wrote...

10 years ago

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PHA) and HCAs come from only partially combusted chemicals. It's said that these materials have the taste of smoke. Does this mean that all smoked meats are layered in carcinogens? lol l o l

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duddy

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Staff Member

10 years ago

You mean char on a BBQ? I think it has to do with acrylamide. Acrylamide is a carcinogenic chemical produced when carbohydrate-rich foods are cooked at high temperatures.

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doseofmegan

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iScience Author

wrote...

10 years ago

but either way, anything in direct fire or in direct path of the smoke is layered with carcinogens right?

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