Ranking of chemicals for carcinogenic potecy—a comparative study of 13 carcinogenic chemicals and an examination of some of the issues involved

Abstract

A number of methods for categorization of carcinogens, including classification and ranking, have been examined and applied to 13 carcinogenic chemicals. Compounds known to be carcinogenic to humans ranked highly in the ranking systems. The TD50 approach was a satisfactory ranking system. The examination of the classification system of the International Agency for Research on Cancer, and the studies of the ranking systems revealed the importance of considering the underlying mechanisms of carcinogenesis. Some of the important problems of categorizing carcinogens are discussed.

History and Evolution of Control Banding: A Review

“…It was truly simple in that it utilized a basic exposure scenario where the only determinant of exposure was the veracity of the toxicological data. Money suggested that this approach, which covered both inhalation and skin contact, should be applicable to similar approaches ranking relative hazards of chemicals 15,16,17 This toxicology-to-control approach described by Money 14 began by using four categories of toxicological outcome relating to carcinogenic potential, collapsed from a system utilizing six 18 that considers both carcinogenic potency and weight of evidence. Money argued that while it is important to distinguish the potencies of different substances, in reality such a separation is artificial and impractical.…”

Qualitative risk characterization and management of occupational hazards: control banding (CB): a literature review and critical analysis.

“…This broad approach ensures that appropriate measures are in place to control risks of exposure to these chemicals from both routine and abnormal operations; however, the report does not provide specific solutions and controls. The author suggests that the strategy, appropriate for both inhalation and skin contact, should be applicable to similar strategies ranking relative hazards of chemicals [Henry and Schaper 1990;Gardner and Oldershaw 1991;Woodward et al 1991]. Money's system described by four categories of carcinogenic potential is based on a system of six developed by Crabtree et al [1991] for which they considered both carcinogenic potency and weight of evidence.…”