IARC classifies substances as Group 1, 2A, 2B, 3, or 4. These classifications pertain to whether or not
a substance is suspected or found to be carcinogic : 1- known carcinogen, 2A - probable carcinogen,
2B - possible carcinogen, 3 - inadequate data, and 4 - non-carcinogenic.

1 the agent is carcinogenic to humans
2A the agent is probably carcinogenic to humans
2B the agent is possibly carcinogenic to humans
3 the agent is unclassifiable as to its carcinogenicity in humans
4 the agent is probably not carcinogenic to humans

When the topics of the monographs are announced, relevant biological, epidemiological and other data
are collected by IARC and drafts of the monograph sections are created. The drafts are then sent to all
participants of the Working Group for review. The Working Group meets in Lyon, to discuss and finalise
the texts of the monographs and to formulate evaluations.

The IARC Monograph Preamble contains the details of the process. It is found on the Internet at :
http: //193.51.164.11/ monoeval/preamble.html


3.How are substances chosen for review by IARC?

Topics are originally selected on the basis of two main criteria: a) that they concern agents for which
there is evidence of human exposure, and b) there is some evidence or suspicion of carcinogenicity.
As significant new data on subjects on which monographs have already been prepared becomes available,
re-evaluations are made at subsequent meetings, and revised monographs are published.

The IARC Monograph Preamble contains the details of the process. It is found on the Internet at :
http://193.51.164.11/monoeval/preamble.html


4.What do the various classifications mean?

The classifications are simply "hazard" identifications. They do not necessarily indicate that the classified
substance will pose a "RISK" to health during manufacture or use.


5.What are some of the substance in each of the various classifications?

Group 1 (87) : asbestos, crystalline silica, wood dust, alcoholic beverages, tobacco, and sunlight
Group 2A (87) : formaldehyde, diesel engine exhaust, sunlamps, and sunbeds (use of)
Group 2B (235) : carbon black, urethane, coffee, pickled vegetables, gasoline, and dry cleaning fluid
Group 3 (483) : caffein, coal dust, fluorescent lighting, saccharin, jet fuel, tea, and hair colouring products.
Group 4 (1 ) : caprolactam


6.What did IARC do in October 2001?

IARC assembled a group of the world' leading glass, rock(stone) and slag wool fibre scientists to review all
available peer-reviewed scientific data to determine the correct IARC classification. IARC last reviewed and
classified these fibre in 1987. The results of that review were published in 1988 ( "IARC Monographs on the
Evaluation of Carcinogenic Risks to Humans : Man-Made Mineral Fibres, " Vol.43,pp. 39-171 (1988) ).


7.Why did IARC decide to carry out a review?

IARC agreed to commence the review process due to the vast quantity of independent new scientific evidence
available from both human studies and from animal studies, which was sufficient to cast doubt upon the concerns
expressed in the earlier 1987 classification.


8.What other substance have been re-evaluated recently? What were the results?

Saccharin in 1999 was downgraded from 2B to 3. Crystalline silica (quartz) in 1997 was upgraded from 2A to 1.
Many others have been re-evaluated, most of which maintained the previous classification.


9.How are IARC panel members chosen?

According to the IARC Preamble, "the participants are selected by IARC staff in consultation with other experts.
" They represent the leading scientists in the field of fibre health reserch.