Metal Carcinogenesis Testing explains fundamental principles of metal
carcinogenesis as they are currently understood, and provides detailed
practical descriptions of rapid and inexpensive in vitro assay
methodology presently in use for the detection of potentially carci-
nogenic metals and their compounds. Mounting experimental evidence has
suggested that a number of metals and their compounds are potentially
carcinogenic to humans. Since humans are exposed to these potentially
carcinogenic metals in industrial situations and through environmental
pollution, it is essential that experimental protocols be available to
identify the specific metal compounds that are potentially carcinogenic.
This book affords a thorough description of the various carcinogenesis
test systems available for metals, centering on those that are rapid,
inexpensive, and most reliable. The principles are discussed at the
level of human exposure, of animal studies, and of research in vitro.
Additionally, the molecular mechanisms of metal-induced cancer are
considered at each ofthese three levels.In large part, the emphasis
rests on the use of in vitro, biochemical and bacterial studies,
including tissue culture, because these methods are the basis of the
rapid and inexpensive screening of potentially carcinogenic substances.