Risk Assessment

IV. Health Policy Reference Desk >> F. Health Policy Methods >> Risk Assessment (last update: 11.17.15)

Cancer Risk Assessment

According to The Meme Policeman, the International Agency for the Research on Cancer (IARC), which is part of the WHO, classifies carcinogens into several groups.

• Group 1– Established carcinogens
  • Examples include asbestos, plutonium, cigarettes, alcohol, outdoor pollution, UV and solar radiation, contraceptives, Chinese-style salted fish, and now processed meats.
• Group 2A– Probable carcinogens
  • Examples include glyphosates, certain insecticides, burning wood, and red meat.
• Group 2B– Possible carcinogens
  • Examples include half of God’s green earth!  Things like coffee, cell phones and pickled vegetables are found here, and if you’ve ever thought “everything causes cancer” you wouldn’t be far off.
• Group 3– Not classified either way
  • Examples include the other half of God’s green earth.
• Group 4- Probably not carcinogenic
  • The IARC lists only 1 thing in this category; caprolactam, which is used in making nylon.  However, apparently it causes burning of the eyes and throat, so it’s not exactly manna from heaven.

General Resources

• Risk Analysis
• Understanding Risk (Bernard Cohen)
• Joshua T. Cohen and Peter J. Neumann. Risks & Benefits: What’s More Dangerous, Your Aspirin Or Your Car? Thinking Rationally About Drug Risks (And Benefits) Health Aff May 2007 26:3636-646; doi:10.1377/hlthaff.26.3.636