The
National Institutes of Health has officially identified
environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) as a "known human
carcinogen". The Report on Carcinogens 9th edition,
released on May 15, 2000 also identified tobacco smoking
and smokeless tobacco as known human carcinogens.
The
determinations of carcinogenicity are based on expert, scientific
judgment, with consideration given to all relevant information.
The designation known human carcinogen is reserved for those
substances for which there is sufficient evidence of carcinogenicity
from studies in humans that indicate a cause and effect
relationship between the exposure and human cancer.
The
cancer-causing properties of ETS, tobacco smoking, and oral
use of smokeless tobacco products are of particular concern
because large numbers of people are exposed.
The
listing of ETS is based on the relationship between exposure
to tobacco smoke and lung cancer, as verified by conclusive
published studies. The new listing of tobacco smoking expands
on past listings of separate chemicals in tobacco smoke.
Smokeless tobacco (chewing tobacco and snuff) are listed
because scientific studies link oral tumors with use and
the tumors often arise at the site of placement of the tobacco.
The
Report on Carcinogens is a scientific and public
health document first ordered by Congress in 1978 to
educate both the public and health professionals. It is
prepared by the National Toxicology Program of the National
Institute of Environmental Health Sciences of the National
Institutes of Health.
The
listing is not a regulatory action, but often prompts regulatory
agencies to limit exposures from identified carcinogens.
Governments, businesses, unions, and others use the Report
on Carcinogens as a basis for action.
The
website address for more information on the NIH Report
on Carcinogens is:
www.niehs.nih.gov/oc/news/9thROC.htm
