The National Cancer Institute estimated that doctors will diagnose more than 1.6 million new cases of cancer in the U.S. in\u00a02014. During this same time period, nearly 586,000 patients will die from these malignant diseases. The most common forms of cancer are prostate cancer, breast cancer, lung cancer, colorectal cancer, melanoma, bladder cancer and non-Hodgkin lymphoma.<\/p>\n
Cancer is a complex disease with many potential causes, including hereditary genetic aberrations. However, carcinogens, such as radiation and a wide array of chemical compounds, also elevate individuals’ risk levels. This underscores the importance of warning consumers about what chemical compounds are carcinogenic, how to avoid them and how to protect themselves when exposure is inevitable.<\/p>\n
To that end, Congress requires the\u00a0National Toxicology Program to prepare a regular\u00a0Report on Carcinogens for the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The most recent report, which is the 13th to be issued, draws attention to four substances in particular<\/a>.<\/p>\n “Identifying substances in our environment that can make people vulnerable to cancer will help in prevention efforts,” Linda Birnbaum, Ph.D., director of the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences and the NTP, said in a statement. “This report provides a valuable resource for health regulatory and research agencies, and it empowers the public with information people can use to reduce exposure to cancer causing substances.”<\/p>\n Any chemical compounds listed in the report are designated as known human carcinogens or reasonably anticipated human carcinogens. For the 13th\u00a0Report on Carcinogens, the following four substances have been highlighted:<\/p>\n 1. Ortho-toluidine<\/strong> According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, individuals who work with ortho-toluidine\u00a0must take several cautionary measures to minimize their contact with the substance. Butyl rubber gloves provide the best protection for handling ortho-toluidine. Additionally, workers need to remember to take advantage of workplace showers and surveillance programs, and refrain from taking work clothes home. Respirators that contain\u00a0organic vapor cartridges, approved by the\u00a0National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, will protect the airways.<\/p>\n
\nOrtho-toluidine is usually produced internationally and imported into the U.S., where it is used in pesticides, dyes, rubber chemicals and several other products, including medical items.\u00a0Previously, ortho-toluidine was considered a reasonably anticipated human carcinogen since 1983. However, more recent studies made credible links between ortho-toluidine and urinary bladder cancer, prompting the\u00a0NTP\u00a0to reclassify it as a known human carcinogen.<\/p>\n