Breakthroughs Today

THIS WEEK we will cover reviews that may not have reached you: cancer-causing substances that can have you exposed as you have your hair done either by a hairdresser or a barber, or even from your personal use of hair dyes. The Lyons, France-based International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) facilitated a meeting between 17 scientists from seven countries in February 2008 in order to address new studies on compounds, scientifically referred to as “aromatics,” a name given because of their pleasant scents. Ortho-toluidine (OTD) is a biological stain used in the production of dyes and pigments. Exposure to this compound happens mainly through skin contact. So check your skin and hair coloring products if you have this in the label. Heightened risks toward developing bladder cancer continue with regular exposure to OTD. The longer the exposure, the higher the risk. IARC classified OTD as “carcinogenic to humans.” 4-Chloro-ortho-toluidine (COTD), a known metabolic byproduct of ch

The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) acts as an intergovernmental agency that forms part of the World Health Organization (WHO) of the United Nations (UN). It has its main offices in Lyon, France, and conducts and coordinates research into the causes of cancer. IARC Classification IARC categorizes various substances and mixtures thereof into five categories based on its cancer-producing capability as far as available scientific studies indicate. Group 1 Agents are scientifically confirmed carcinogenic to humans. Group 2A Agents are probably carcinogenic to humans based on available studies. Group 2B Agents are possibly carcinogenic to humans. Group 3 Agents are probably not carcinogenic to humans. So far there is only one substance placed in this category--caprolactam. Credibility Critics of IARC have claimed that it has become susceptible to industry influence and suffers from lack of transparency. In 2003, Lorenzo Tomatis (IARC director, 1982-1993) was barr