Each Monograph reviews all pertinent epidemiological
studies and cancer bioassays in experimental animals.
Those judged inadequate or irrelevant to the evaluation
may be cited but not summarized. If a group of similar
studies is not reviewed, the reasons are indicated.
Mechanistic and other relevant data are also reviewed.
A Monograph does not necessarily cite all the mechanistic
literature concerning the agent being evaluated (see Part
B, Section 4). Only those data considered by the Working
Group to be relevant to making the evaluation are included.
With regard to epidemiological studies, cancer bioassays,
and mechanistic and other relevant data, only reports
that have been published or accepted for publication in
the openly available scientific literature are reviewed.
The same publication requirement applies to studies originating
from IARC, including meta-analyses or pooled analyses
commissioned by IARC in advance of a meeting (see Part
B, Section 2c). Data from government agency reports
that are publicly available are also considered. Exceptionally,
doctoral theses and other material that are in their final
form and publicly available may be reviewed.
Exposure data and other information on an agent under
consideration are also reviewed. In the sections on chemical
and physical properties, on analysis, on production and
use and on occurrence, published and unpublished sources
of information may be considered.
Inclusion of a study does not imply acceptance of the
adequacy of the study design or of the analysis and interpretation
of the results, and limitations are clearly outlined in
square brackets at the end of each study description (see
Part B).
The reasons for not giving further consideration to an
individual study also are indicated in the square brackets.
Posted 23 January 2006
