International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC)
The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) is an agency of the World Health Organization (WHO). The goal of IARC is to identify causes of cancer and to adopt preventive measures. The Agency is involved in both laboratory and epidemiological research. For example, IARC coordinates the Interphone project to investigate whether mobile telephones use could cause brain tumors.
IARC Monographs
The IARC Monographs identify environmental factors that are carcinogenic hazards to humans. These include chemicals, complex mixtures, occupational exposures, physical agents, biological agents, and lifestyle factors. National health agencies can use this information as scientific support for their actions to prevent exposure to potential carcinogens.
IARC Monographs Preamble
The Preamble to the IARC Monographs describes the objective and scope of the program, the scientific principles and procedures used in developing a Monograph, the types of evidence considered and the scientific criteria that guide the evaluations.
