The Scent of Cancer.Mothballs may be as bad for you as they are good for your sweaters. On 25 January 2001, the National Toxicology Program National Toxicology Program Environment A program that conducts toxicologic tests on substances frequently found at the EPA's National Priorities List sites, which have the greatest potential for human exposure published its 500th two-year rodent chemical safety test on naphthalene naphthalene (năf`thəlēn'), colorless, crystalline, solid aromatic hydrocarbon with a pungent odor. It melts at 80°C;, boils at 218°C;, and sublimes upon heating. , the chemical that gives mothballs their smell. The study found clear evidence that naphthalene caused cancer in male and female rats who were exposed by inhalation, the main route of exposure for humans. Regulators will use this information to determine if the chemical presents a risk to humans. Naphthalene is also used in chemical manufacturing and by veterinarians Veterinarians and veterinary surgeons (vets) are medical professionals who operate exclusively on animals. Well-known and notable veterinarians include:
la·ryn·geal or la·ryn·gal adj. Of, relating to, affecting, or near the larynx. , gastric, nasal, and colon cancers. |
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