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Factbox-Agents and substances categorized as carcinogenic to humans

2023-07-14 07:23
Aspartame, the artificial sweetener used in products from Coca-Cola's diet sodas to Mars' Extra chewing gum, is the
Factbox-Agents and substances categorized as carcinogenic to humans

Aspartame, the artificial sweetener used in products from Coca-Cola's diet sodas to Mars' Extra chewing gum, is the latest substance to be declared a possible carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC).

Carcinogens are substances that have the potential to cause cancer to humans. According to the IARC, there are four different levels of classifications - carcinogenic, probably carcinogenic, possibly carcinogenic and not classifiable.

The levels are based on the strength of the evidence, rather than how dangerous a substance is.

Here is a look at some of the top agents that are carcinogenic to humans based on their classifications:

CATEGORY-1: WHEN AN AGENT IS CONSIDERED "CARCINOGENIC TO HUMANS"

As per IARC, this classification is used when there is enough proof that the agent causes cancer in people. Typically, the assessment is based on epidemiological study findings that humans exposed to the substance acquire cancer.

Major substances and agents in this category:

Top substance/agents Cancer site

Alcoholic beverages Oral cavity, salivary gland,

esophagus, colon, rectum, liver

and breast

Outdoor air pollution Lung

Indoor emissions from Lung and skin

household combustion of

coal

Tobacco smoking Oral cavity, esophagus, stomach,

rectum, liver, pancreas, lung,

ovary, kidney, urinary bladder,

among others

Consumption of processed Colon and rectum

meat

X- and Gamma-Radiation Salivary gland, esophagus,

stomach, colon, lung, bone,

skin, breast, kidney, urinary

bladder, thyroid, brain and

central nervous system

Wood dust Pharynx, nasal cavity and

paranasal sinus

Opium consumption Larynx, lung and urinary bladder

Formaldehyde (used in Pharynx, some types of leukemia

building materials like

particle board, plywood,

and other pressed-wood

products)

Ultraviolet radiation Eye and skin

exposure (e.g. welding)

CATEGORY-2: WHEN AN AGENT IS CONSIDERED "PROBABLY CARCINOGENIC TO HUMANS"

This classification is used when there is limited or inadequate evidence of "carcinogenicity in humans" and there is either more evidence showing they cause cancer in animals, or strong evidence showing that they have similar characteristics to other human carcinogens.

Major substances and agents in this category:

Top substance/agents Cancer site

Night shift work Breast, prostate, colon and

rectum

Consumption of red meat Colon, rectum, pancreas and

prostate

Occupational exposures in Skin and leukemia

petroleum refining

Occupational exposure as a Urinary bladder

hairdresser or barber

Manufacturing of glass Stomach and lung

containers, art glass or

pressed ware

CATEGORY-3: WHEN AN AGENT IS CONSIDERED "POSSIBLY CARCINOGENIC TO HUMANS"

This classification is generally used when either there is limited evidence of "carcinogenicity in humans", sufficient evidence in animals, or strong evidence showing that the agent exhibits key characteristics of human carcinogens.

Major substances and agents in this category:

Top substance/agents Cancer site

Carpentry Nasal cavity and paranasal

sinus

Traditional Asian pickled Pharynx, esophagus and stomach

vegetables

Occupational exposures in Lung and urinary bladder

printing processes

Occupational exposures in Esophagus and urinary bladder

dry cleaning

Radiofrequency Brain and central nervous

electromagnetic fields system

CATEGORY-4: WHEN AN AGENT IS "NOT CLASSIFIABLE AS TO ITS CARCINOGENICITY TO HUMANS"

This classification is used when evidence of carcinogenicity in humans is inadequate. According to IARC, this includes drinking coffee, personal use of hair coloring products, use of fluorescent lighting, chlorinated drinking water, highly-refined mineral oils, tea and printing inks.

Source: IARC, World Health Organization

(Reporting by Granth Vanaik in Bengaluru, Editing by Deepa Babington and Catherine Evans)