Biomaterial Database

Potential carcinogenicity of food additives and contaminants. 1975

P Shubik

The potential role in carcinogenesis of food additives and contaminants presents a complex problem in terms of assessing the risk to the general public. Long-term testing in laboratory animals is still the most feasible method for determining potential carcinogenicity of various chemicals. The disadvantages encountered in the present methods of animal testing are discussed and a review is made of the current status of particular food additives and contaminants under scrutiny as possible carcinogens. It is suggested that, since it may not be possible to remove all carcinogenic materials from the environment, methods to mitigate or neutralize their harmful effects should be sought. Greater cooperation is called for among food technologists, toxicologists, laboratory researchers, and epidemiologists in the decision-making process regarding the role of possibly carcinogenic additives and contaminants.

UI	MeSH Term	Description	Entries
D010671	Phenylurea Compounds	Compounds that include the amino-N-phenylamide structure.	Phenylcarbamides,Phenylurea Derivatives,Compounds, Phenylurea,Derivatives, Phenylurea
D011092	Polyethylene Glycols	Polymers of ETHYLENE OXIDE and water, and their ethers. They vary in consistency from liquid to solid depending on the molecular weight indicated by a number following the name. They are used as SURFACTANTS, dispersing agents, solvents, ointment and suppository bases, vehicles, and tablet excipients. Some specific groups are NONOXYNOLS, OCTOXYNOLS, and POLOXAMERS.	Macrogols,Polyoxyethylenes,Carbowax,Macrogol,Polyethylene Glycol,Polyethylene Oxide,Polyethyleneoxide,Polyglycol,Glycol, Polyethylene,Glycols, Polyethylene,Oxide, Polyethylene,Oxides, Polyethylene,Polyethylene Oxides,Polyethyleneoxides,Polyglycols,Polyoxyethylene
D011136	Polysorbates	Sorbitan mono-9-octadecanoate poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl) derivatives; complex mixtures of polyoxyethylene ethers used as emulsifiers or dispersing agents in pharmaceuticals.	Polysorbate,Polysorbate 20,Polysorbate 80,Sorbitan Derivatives,Tween,Tweens,PSML,Polyoxyethylene Sorbitan Monolaurate,Tween 20,Tween 60,Tween 80,Tween 81,Tween 85,20s, Polysorbate,20s, Tween,60s, Tween,80s, Polysorbate,80s, Tween,81s, Tween,85s, Tween,Derivative, Sorbitan,Derivatives, Sorbitan,Monolaurate, Polyoxyethylene Sorbitan,Monolaurates, Polyoxyethylene Sorbitan,PSMLs,Polyoxyethylene Sorbitan Monolaurates,Polysorbate 20s,Polysorbate 80s,Sorbitan Derivative,Sorbitan Monolaurate, Polyoxyethylene,Sorbitan Monolaurates, Polyoxyethylene,Tween 20s,Tween 60s,Tween 80s,Tween 81s,Tween 85s
D011724	Pyridazines	Six-membered rings with two adjacent nitrogen atoms also called 1,2-diazine.
D002219	Carbamates	Derivatives of carbamic acid, H2NC(	Carbamate,Aminoformic Acids,Carbamic Acids,Acids, Aminoformic,Acids, Carbamic
D002273	Carcinogens	Substances that increase the risk of NEOPLASMS in humans or animals. Both genotoxic chemicals, which affect DNA directly, and nongenotoxic chemicals, which induce neoplasms by other mechanism, are included.	Carcinogen,Oncogen,Oncogens,Tumor Initiator,Tumor Initiators,Tumor Promoter,Tumor Promoters,Initiator, Tumor,Initiators, Tumor,Promoter, Tumor,Promoters, Tumor
D003494	Cyclamates	Salts and esters of cyclamic acid.	Cyclamic Acid,Calcium Cyclamate,Cyclamate,Cyclamate Calcium (2:1) Salt,Cyclamate, Calcium (2:1) Salt, Dihydrate,Cyclamate, Sodium Salt,Potassium Cyclamate,Sodium Cyclamate,Cyclamate, Calcium,Cyclamate, Potassium,Cyclamate, Sodium
D003634	DDT	A polychlorinated pesticide that is resistant to destruction by light and oxidation. Its unusual stability has resulted in difficulties in residue removal from water, soil, and foodstuffs. This substance may reasonably be anticipated to be a carcinogen: Fourth Annual Report on Carcinogens (NTP-85-002, 1985). (From Merck Index, 11th ed)	1,1,1-trichloro-2,2-bis(p-chlorophenyl)ethane,4,4'-DDT,4,4'-Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane,Benzochloryl,Chlorophenothane,TbisC-ethane,p',p'-DDT,4,4' DDT,4,4' Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane,TbisC ethane
D004026	Dieldrin	An organochlorine insecticide whose use has been cancelled or suspended in the United States. It has been used to control locusts, tropical disease vectors, in termite control by direct soil injection, and non-food seed and plant treatment. (From HSDB)	Alvit-55,Alvit 55,Alvit55
D004054	Diethylstilbestrol	A synthetic nonsteroidal estrogen used in the treatment of menopausal and postmenopausal disorders. It was also used formerly as a growth promoter in animals. According to the Fourth Annual Report on Carcinogens (NTP 85-002, 1985), diethylstilbestrol has been listed as a known carcinogen. (Merck, 11th ed)	Stilbestrol,Agostilben,Apstil,Diethylstilbestrol, (Z)-Isomer,Diethylstilbestrol, Disodium Salt,Distilbène,Stilbene Estrogen,Tampovagan,Estrogen, Stilbene