[Carcinogenicity of metallic elements: general considerations about their identification and monitoring and about their main mechanisms of action. Part 1: general aspects].
Some general aspects about identification and classification for metallic elements considered carcinogenic at different degree of risk and for different species such as Nickel, Arsenic, Chromium, Cadmium, Beryllium, Cobalt, Vanadium, Lead and Molybdenum are presented in this first paper. The main mechanisms of biological and toxicological action will be presented in a second related paper. The classification suggested by IARC, ACGIH, DFG and UE are in a good agreement only for some of the above mentioned metallic elements and consequently open questions remain in selecting the most adequate environmental and biological indicators and the related reference or limit values for planning risk assessment and health surveillance. The carcinogenic metals may have different effects on cellular functions including proliferation, apoptosis, cellular differentiation and transformation. leading to different cellular effects in relation to its chemical and physical properties and interactions with biomolecules. In the identification of metallic elements to be considered and of correct indicators both environmental and biological for exposure assessment appears to be necessary to identify the species of metallic element classified as carcinogenic in order to achieve an effective preventive measures and to plan appropriate health and epidemiological surveillance programmes.
Apostoli
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Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale e Applicata, Sezione di Medicina del Lavoro e Igiene Industriale, Università degli Studi di Brescia, Italy. apostoli@med.unibs.it
Catalani
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D002273:Carcinogens / Q000145:classification*; D008670:Metals / Q000145:classification*
D002273:Carcinogens; D008670:Metals