14th Report on Carcinogens released
The November 3 release of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services 14th Report on Carcinogens includes seven newly reviewed substances, bringing the cumulative total to 248.
The chemical trichloroethylene (TCE), and the metallic element cobalt and cobalt compounds that release cobalt ions in vivo, are being added to the list, as well as five viruses that have been linked to cancer in humans. The five viruses include human immunodeficiency virus type 1, human T-cell lymphotropic virus type 1, Epstein-Barr virus, Kaposi sarcoma-associated herpesvirus, and Merkel cell polyomavirus.
| Newly reviewed substances | ||
|---|---|---|
| Substance | Listing Status | Description |
| Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) | Known to be a human carcinogen | Virus |
| Human T-cell lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1) | Known to be a human carcinogen | Virus |
| Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) | Known to be a human carcinogen | Virus |
| Kaposi sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) | Known to be a human carcinogen | Virus |
| Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCV) | Known to be a human carcinogen | Virus |
| Trichloroethylene (TCE) | Known to be a human carcinogen | Industrial solvent |
| Cobalt and cobalt compounds that release cobalt ions in vivo | Reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen | A metal and its compounds |
The Report on Carcinogens is a congressionally mandated report prepared for the HHS Secretary by NTP. The report identifies many different types of environmental factors, collectively called substances, including chemicals; infectious agents, such as viruses; physical agents, such as X-rays and ultraviolet radiation; mixtures of chemicals; and exposure scenarios in two categories — known to be a human carcinogen and reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen. The new report is available at http://ntp.niehs.nih.gov/go/roc14.
It’s important to note that a listing in the report indicates a cancer hazard, but does not by itself mean that a substance or a virus will cause cancer. Many factors, including an individual’s susceptibility to a substance, and the amount and duration of exposure, can affect whether a person will develop cancer. In the case of viruses, a weakened immune system may also be a contributing factor. People should talk to their health care providers about decreasing their cancer risk from viruses.
The Report on Carcinogens, 14th Edition, is prepared by the National Toxicology Program (NTP). NTP is a federal, interagency program, headquartered at the NIEHS, whose goal is to safeguard the public by identifying substances in the environment that may affect human health. For more information about NTP and its programs, visit http://ntp.niehs.nih.gov.
Click here to view the full NIEHS press release.