2012/04/01 by A. Trakoli, Anna Trakoli · 1 citation
Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology · #Carcinogens and Genotoxicity Assessment
paper · doi:10.1093/occmed/kqs011
openalex publication_date 2012/04/01 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/25
Since 1969, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has been producing critically evaluated monographs on chemicals (and subsequently complex mixtures, lifestyle factors, biological and physical agents, occupational and other potentially carcinogenic exposures), as part of a programme evaluating their carcinogenic risks to humans. Its objective is to ‘elaborate and publish in the form of monographs, critical reviews of data on carcinogenicity for agents to which humans are known to be exposed and on specific exposure situations; to evaluate these data in terms of human risk with the help of international working groups of experts in chemical carcinogenesis and related fields and to indicate where additional research efforts are needed’. Volume 99 of the monographs was developed by IARC through cooperative agreement with the US Environmental Protection Agency and represents the expert opinions of an IARC Monographs Working Group which met in Lyon in 2008. It focuses on some aromatic amines, organic dyes and related occupational and consumer exposures. Each has been evaluated in previous publications, this latest one reviewing newer epidemiological and experimental studies. The volume has chapters on common mechanisms of toxicity for aromatic amines; general introduction to the chemistry of dyes; nine monographs and a final section on occupational exposures of hairdressers and barbers and personal use of hair colourants. The agents have been selected on the basis of evidence of human exposure and evidence or suspicion of carcinogenicity. Most have been associated with bladder tumours in humans or experimental animals and are being evaluated with regard to common mechanisms of carcinogenesis. This volume will be of interest to researchers, academics and other professionals who require in-depth knowledge of the carcinogenic hazards of the relevant chemicals and industries. Most occupational health professionals are likely to find the layout too detailed and technical. The lists of IARC evaluations are regularly updated and freely available on the IARC website at http://monographs.iarc.fr., and the interested reader can also freely access a concise and user-friendly summary of the findings of this volume at http://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanonc/article/PIIS1470204508700895/fulltext. Overall, the series is an excellent attempt to collect, critically evaluate and review the available scientific evidence on carcinogenic hazards and one that meets the Agency's objectives. ★★☆☆ (Reference only)