DIVERSE ORIGINS OF UBIQUITOUS ENVIRONMENTAL CARCINOGENIC HAZARDS AND THE IMPORTANCE OF SAFETY TESTING1

Abstract

A vast array of chemical carcinogens are present in the environment, many of natural origins and many as a result of man's use and abuse of technology. The background occurrence of such chemical hazards must be taken into account when evaluating the safety of proposed or existing chemical commodities, particularly those which, intentionally or unintentionally, become incorporated into the food supply. This report briefly describes hazardous chemicals present in the environment, how they are detected, how this information relates to potential human problems, and the importance of testing chemicals prior to their use by humans. Our past mistakes with biologically foreign chemical commodities serve as sufficient warning that the wholesale adulteration of the environment is to be avoided.