Friday, November 4, 2016

Five viruses, a chemical, and a metallic element added to the list of human carcinogens.

 The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services 14th Report on Human Carcinogens was released today bringing the total to 248.

Image courtesy: Pixabay


The 5 viruses include human immunodeficiency virus type 1, human T-cell lymphotropic virus type 1, Epstein-Barr virus, Kaposi sarcoma-associated herpesvirus, and Merkel cell polyomavirus. People with weak immunity or on immunosuppression drugs are more likely to develop these cancers.

Linda Birnbaum, Ph.D., director of the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) and National Toxicology Program (NTP) said in a press release that "Given that approximately 12 percent of human cancers worldwide may be attributed to viruses, and there are no vaccines currently available for these five viruses, prevention strategies to reduce the infections that can lead to cancer are even more critical."[1]

These viruses are responsible for causing 20 different cancers in humans. All the viruses are transmitted through body fluids and saliva. In addition, 3 out of 5 are also spread because of unprotected sexual activity namely human immunodeficiency virus type 1, human T-cell lymphotropic virus type 1 and Kaposi sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV).

The chemical in the list is Trichloroethylene (TCE), It is an industrial solvent used primarily to make hydrofluorocarbon chemicals, especially refrigerants. Earlier it was in the list of suspected carcinogen but recent studies have proved causation between TCE exposure and an increased risk for kidney cancer. It makes its way into air, water and soil at places where it is manufactured or used. People can be exposed by multiple routes especially underground drinking sources. It’s especially abundant in soil and water in military areas and practice grounds.

The metallic element listed as carcinogen is cobalt and cobalt compounds that release ions into the body. Cobalt is a natural occurring element used in military equipment and rechargeable batteries. Humans can be exposed to it at workplace and due to failed surgical implants.

In our body cobalt is present as an important component of vitamin B-12, also called cobalamin which plays a key role in normal functioning of nervous system and needed for erythropoiesis. However, it is not toxic in our body since it is chemically bound to protein and does not release cobalt ions in the body.

All these cancers can be prevented by minimizing the exposure to the listed carcinogens. Dr. Linda Birnbaum quoted in the news release “The listings in this report, particularly the viruses, bring attention to the important role that prevention can play in reducing the world's cancer burden. There are also things people can do to reduce their exposure to cobalt and TCE.”

As always practicing safe sex, not sharing needles and contacting your health care provider if you have been already exposed to any of the viruses listed goes a long way in minimizing your risk for cancers due to these viruses.[2]

Exposure to TCE can be reduced at work places and military settlements by wearing protective gear and properly using respirators. If it is known to be present in the underground water sources than such water should not be used for drinking. [3]

Cobalt exposure can be reduced by using the same measures that for TCE. In addition, children living near the dumpsites containing cobalt should wash their hands frequently before eating.[4]





[1] http://www.niehs.nih.gov/news/newsroom/releases/2016/november3/index.cfm
[2] http://www.niehs.nih.gov/health/materials/5_viruses_508.pdf
[3] http://www.niehs.nih.gov/health/materials/tce_508.pdf
[4] http://www.niehs.nih.gov/health/materials/cobalt_508.pdf

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