environmental carcinogens

No one is challenging the suggestion that environmental carcinogens warrant further study.

We can get some fingerprints on environmental carcinogens and look for their targets inside cells."

Recent studies have shown that several environmental carcinogens cause mutations at characteristic sites on the p53 gene.

Nonetheless, the researchers said that the ranking should allow authorities to set priorities in testing and regulating environmental carcinogens.

He was also the author of legislation that bans smoking on certain airline flights, and he has promoted research into environmental carcinogens.

"Once we know more about the various lesions in p53, we may be able to improve animal testing of putative environmental carcinogens.

Other potential environmental carcinogens include occupational exposures such as nickel refining, exposure to textile fibers, and woodworking.

Researchers from around the world are beginning to get a handle on this question by studying genetic differences among individuals and the way environmental carcinogens affect their cellular machinery.

Ionizing radiation, environmental carcinogens, artificial UV radiation (e.g. tanning beds), aging, and light skin color.

She argues persuasively that while we can do little to change our genetic inheritance, there is much that can be done to reduce human exposure to environmental carcinogens.

The reasons for this demographic trend are unclear but important factors include changing diet, improved methods of food preservation, the food preservatives themselves, and decreased exposure to environmental carcinogens.

As Western society has modernized, environmental carcinogens, delayed child rearing, less breastfeeding, hormone replacement therapy (HRT), hormonal contraception, early menarche and obesity have increased.

The etiology of NPC (particularly the endemic form) seems to follow a multi-step process, in which EBV, ethnic background, and environmental carcinogens all seem to play an important role.

Fingerprints of Mutations In addition to aflatoxin and ultraviolet light, environmental carcinogens that are now believed to leave characteristic fingerprints of mutations on the p53 gene include radon and the tar and other carcinogens in tobacco.

Dr. LaSalle Leffall, Jr., the chairman of the panel, said in a statement, "The increasing number of known or suspected environmental carcinogens compels us to action, even though we may currently lack irrefutable proof of harm."

To the Editor: Anna Quindlen omits the broader point in "Smoking and Politics" (column, Aug. 5): The exposure of the public to the multitude of occupational and environmental carcinogens is enormous, and our awareness of the ramifications is developing.

He contended that most human genetic damage arises from the oxidation of DNA during normal metabolism, and that the most important environmental carcinogens may include some whose chief effect is to cause the chronic division of stem cells whereby the normal protective mechanisms of a cell become less effective.