To help regulate chemicals, the National Toxicology Program issues the annual Report on Carcinogens (abbreviated ROC). This report was ordered by Congress in 1978. By 1978, it was becoming obvious to scientists that both man-made and natural chemicals found in food, drugs and the environment were to blame for many cancers.

The report is put together by scientific experts, who consider all the relevant information about a potential toxin. The information in the report is used by several organizations to regulate potential human carcinogens. A few such organizations include the U.S. Congress, Federal and State agencies such as the Environmental Protection Agency and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, private businesses, unions and the general public. As you can imagine, these reports are highly regarded by scientists and government officials alike.

The carcinogens in the report are classified as either