IARC's Cancer Warning: Atrazine, Alachlor, and Vinclozolin
In today's episode we're diving into the findings of the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) Working Group, which evaluated the carcinogenicity of three common chemicals: atrazine, alachlor, and vinclozolin.
A group of 22 scientists from 12 countries met to classify atrazine and alachlor as "probably carcinogenic to humans" (Group 2A), and vinclozolin as "possibly carcinogenic to humans" (Group 2B).
We examine the evidence, including limited human links between atrazine and non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) that is positive for the t(14;18) chromosomal translocation and a strong association between alachlor use and laryngeal cancer.
Exposure is high for agricultural workers via inhalation and dermal absorption, but the general public is also exposed primarily through drinking water and foodstuffs.
Resource: https://doi.org/10.1016/S1470-2045(25)00702-8 on Carcinogenicity of atrazine, alachlor, and vinclozolin.
