How Do Toxicologists Identify Carcinogenic Agents?
The identification of carcinogenic agents is a complex process involving laboratory studies, epidemiological research, and risk assessment. Toxicologists utilize animal models to study the mechanisms of carcinogenesis, while epidemiologists study human populations to identify correlations between exposure and cancer rates. Risk assessments are then conducted to determine the likelihood and severity of harm from exposure to these agents. Agencies like the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) play pivotal roles in evaluating and classifying potential carcinogens.
