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IARC: International Agency for Research on Cancer

Definition

• The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) is a part of the World Health Organization.

IARC's mission is to coordinate and conduct research on the causes of human cancer, the mechanisms of carcinogenesis, and to develop scientific strategies for cancer control. Their web home page is http://www.iarc.fr/.

Additional Info

IARC compiles several databases on carcinogenic risk to humans, epidemiology and cancer control.

The IARC Monographs series is one of four resources that OSHA uses to list a material as known or probable human carcinogen. You can view this list of 895 agents reviewed in the monographs. IARC classifies agents (chemicals, mixtures, occupational exposures etc.) into four basic categories: Group 1: The agent (mixture) is carcinogenic to humans. The exposure circumstance entails exposures that are carcinogenic to humans. Group 2: The agent (mixture) is probably carcinogenic to humans and Group 2A: The exposure circumstance entails exposures that are probably carcinogenic to humans. Group 2B: The exposure circumstance entails exposures that are possibly carcinogenic to humans. Group 3: The agent (mixture, or exposure circumstance) is unclassifiable as to carcinogenicity in humans. Group 4: The agent (mixture, exposure circumstance) is probably not carcinogenic to humans.

Sittig's Handbook of Toxic and Hazardous Chemicals and Carcinogens is the definitive resource on over 2,100 of the most commonly used, transported and regulated chemical substances. Get your copy at Safety Emporium.

MSDS Relevance

This term often appears in the health hazard section of an MSDS, usually to denote whether a substance is (potentially) carcinogenic. OSHA requires the author of the MSDS to check IARC and other sources when creating an MSDS.

Along with the U.S. National Toxicology Program (NTP), IARC is one of the best resources for original information about the effects of toxic chemicals or potential carcinogens.

Further Reading

• A list of the substances evaluated by IARC, including their CAS number and monograph number.
• The Preamble to the IARC Monographs includes a section on the scientific review and evaluation process.
• See also the links listed under toxic and carcinogen.

See also: carcinogen, teratogen, toxic.

Additional definitions from Google and OneLook.

Disclaimer: The information contained herein is believed to be true and accurate, however ILPI makes no guarantees concerning the veracity of any statement. Use of any information on this page is at the reader's own risk. ILPI strongly encourages the reader to consult the appropriate local, state and federal agencies concerning the matters discussed herein.