IARC Monographs on the Identification of Carcinogenic Hazards to Humans

International Agency For Res On Cancer, Lyon

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Abstract

Project Summary/Abstract Since 1971, the IARC Monographs on the Identification of Carcinogenic Hazards to Humans has provided an evidence-based approach to identifying the preventable causes of human cancer. Organizations worldwide rely on the IARC Monographs as a trustworthy source of carcinogenicity evaluations in their efforts to control cancer. Agents evaluated by the Monographs encompass chemicals, physical and biological agents, complex mixtures, occupational exposure circumstances, and other exposures of everyday life. To date, 1021 agents have been evaluated, with 121 classified as “carcinogenic”, 89 as “probably carcinogenic”, and 315 as “possibly carcinogenic” to humans. Agents are selected for evaluation based on evidence of human exposure and of carcinogenicity, and public health importance. Monographs are developed by independent global experts without conflicts of interest. Each Monograph includes systematic reviews of the pertinent scientific literature covering three unique streams of evidence (cancer in humans, cancer in experimental animals, and mechanistic evidence). The