The Report on Carcinogens (RoC) is a congressionally mandated, science-based, and public health document that is prepared by the National Toxicology Program (NTP) to identify and list substances that may pose a cancer hazard for people living in the United States. The report is published every two years and provides information on substances that are known or reasonably anticipated to be human carcinogens.
Introduction to the Report on Carcinogens
The RoC is a critical resource for researchers, regulatory agencies, and the public to better understand the potential health risks associated with exposure to certain chemicals and substances. The report is based on a rigorous and transparent evaluation process that involves the review of scientific evidence from various sources, including animal and human studies, as well as data from epidemiological and mechanistic research.
The NTP uses a multi-step process to evaluate the evidence and make decisions about which substances to list in the RoC. This process involves the review of scientific literature, the identification of potential carcinogens, and the evaluation of the strength of the evidence. The NTP also considers the relevance of the evidence to human health and the potential for exposure to the substance.
Categorization of Substances in the RoC
The RoC categorizes substances into two main groups: known to be human carcinogens and reasonably anticipated to be human carcinogens. Substances that are known to be human carcinogens are those for which there is sufficient evidence from human studies to support a causal relationship between exposure to the substance and the development of cancer. Substances that are reasonably anticipated to be human carcinogens are those for which there is limited evidence from human studies, but sufficient evidence from animal studies or mechanistic data to suggest that the substance may pose a cancer hazard to humans.
The NTP uses a variety of criteria to evaluate the evidence and make decisions about which substances to list in each category. These criteria include the strength of the evidence, the consistency of the findings, and the relevance of the evidence to human health. The NTP also considers the potential for exposure to the substance and the likelihood that exposure will result in adverse health effects.
| Category | Description |
|---|---|
| Known to be Human Carcinogens | Substances with sufficient evidence from human studies to support a causal relationship between exposure and cancer |
| Reasonably Anticipated to be Human Carcinogens | Substances with limited evidence from human studies, but sufficient evidence from animal studies or mechanistic data to suggest a cancer hazard |
Substances Listed in the RoC
The RoC includes a wide range of substances that are known or reasonably anticipated to be human carcinogens. These substances include chemicals such as benzene, vinyl chloride, and trichloroethylene, as well as physical agents such as ultraviolet radiation and radon. The report also includes information on biological agents such as hepatitis B virus and human papillomavirus.
The RoC provides detailed information on the evidence that supports the listing of each substance, including the results of animal and human studies, as well as data from epidemiological and mechanistic research. The report also includes information on the potential for exposure to each substance and the likelihood that exposure will result in adverse health effects.
Examples of Substances Listed in the RoC
Some examples of substances that are listed in the RoC include:
- Benzene, a chemical that is used in the production of plastics and synthetic fibers
- Vinyl chloride, a chemical that is used in the production of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastics
- Trichloroethylene, a chemical that is used as a solvent and degreaser
- Ultraviolet radiation, a physical agent that is emitted by the sun and artificial sources such as tanning beds
- Radon, a physical agent that is a naturally occurring gas that can accumulate in buildings and homes
What is the purpose of the Report on Carcinogens?
+The purpose of the Report on Carcinogens is to identify and list substances that may pose a cancer hazard for people living in the United States. The report provides information on substances that are known or reasonably anticipated to be human carcinogens, and is used by researchers, regulatory agencies, and the public to better understand the potential health risks associated with exposure to certain chemicals and substances.
How are substances listed in the Report on Carcinogens?
+Substances are listed in the Report on Carcinogens based on a rigorous and transparent evaluation process that involves the review of scientific evidence from various sources, including animal and human studies, as well as data from epidemiological and mechanistic research. The National Toxicology Program uses a multi-step process to evaluate the evidence and make decisions about which substances to list in the report.
The Report on Carcinogens is an important resource for understanding the potential health risks associated with exposure to certain chemicals and substances. By providing detailed information on the evidence that supports the listing of each substance, the report helps to identify potential cancer hazards and inform public health decisions. The report is also an important tool for researchers, regulatory agencies, and the public to better understand the potential health risks associated with exposure to certain substances and to take steps to minimize those risks.
