WASHINGTON — Formaldehyde — a chemical widely used in industrial processes — and aristolochic acids — a family of substances found in some herbal remedies — have been added to the government’s official list of known human carcinogens, officials announced Friday.
Six other substances, including styrene, which is used to make coffee cups and food containers, among other products, are now considered “reasonably anticipated” to be a human carcinogen, according to the Report on Carcinogens, which was released by the National Toxicology Program.
“Reducing exposure to cancer-causing agents is something we all want,” said Linda Birnbaum, director of the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences and the National Toxicology Program, in a statement announcing the new listings.
The report is a congressionally mandated list that is prepared for the secretary of the Health and Human Services Department. With the new additions in the 12th version of the report, 240 substances are listed.
A listing in the report does not necessarily mean a substance will cause cancer, according to the announcement.
“Many factors, including the amount and duration of exposures, and an individual’s susceptibility to a substance, affect whether a person will develop cancer,” the statement said.
New additions
Known human carcinogens
• Formaldehyde, used as preservative in medical labs, in resins for household items, such as composite wood products, paper product coatings and plastics; also in some consumer products, like hair-straighteners
• Aristolochic acids, a family of acids found in some herbal remedies used to treat a variety of conditions, including arthritis, gout and inflammation
“Reasonably anticipated” to be a carcinogen
• Styrene, found in rubber, plastic, insulation, pipes, car parts, food containers and carpet backing
• Captafol, controls fungal diseases in fruits, vegetables, plants and grasses
• Cobalt-tungsten carbide, used to make cutting and grinding tools
• Inhalable glass wool fibers found in home and building insulation
• O-Nitrotoluene, used to make dyes for fabrics, leather and paper
• Riddelliine, in some herbal medicines
