In a controlled inhalation study 100 Wistar rats were expose

In a controlled inhalation study, 100 Wistar rats were exposed to a low dose of chemical YY over a period of 2 years. In another controlled inhalation study 100 Wistar rats were exposed daily to a low dose of chemical XY over a period of 2 years. The investigators found benign neoplasms in the lungs of 50% of the rats exposed to chemical YY and malignant neoplasms in the lungs of 50% of the rats exposed to chemical XY. Explain the significance of these findings and the difference between these two findings. Identify which chemical, if any, would be considered a carcinogen.

Solution

Answer:

Significance and difference:

Based upon the given data, it is evident that the the YY chemical induces the formation of benign lung neoplasms while the XY chemical induces the formation of malignant neoplasms in the lungs.

Since under the same inhalation conditions, YY induces the formation of benign neoplasms while XY induces the formation of malignant neoplasms, XY is a more potent carcinogen as compared to YY.