United Press International / Wednesday, March 30, 2005

WASHINGTON, Mar 29, 2005 (United Press International via COMTEX) -- Two documents Tuesday provide principles and guidelines for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to assess cancer risk from environmental pollutants.

"Guidelines for Carcinogen Risk Assessment (Cancer Guidelines)," and "Supplemental Guidance for Assessing Susceptibility from Early-Life Exposure to Carcinogens (Supplemental Guidance)" will apply to the agency's current and future risk assessments of environmental pollutants.

The new cancer guidelines result from significant strides in scientific knowledge and in EPA's 20-plus years of experience in applying risk assessment principles and practices. The cancer guidelines were last revised in 1986.

"These guidelines will help us apply the most up-to-date science and to incorporate new science as it becomes available in assessing the risks associated with environmental exposures to carcinogens," said Acting EPA Assistant Administrator for the Office of Research and Development Tim Oppelt.

This article was found on MedLIne Plus