Transparency in IARC Monographs

Abstract

In May, 2003, The Lancet Oncology suggested that the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) adopt a general policy of greater transparency, and specifically called for the names of members of the working group to be published before every Monograph meeting. 1 Burton A Will IARC election help to change “name security” policy?. Lancet Oncol. 2003; 4: 262 Summary Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (3) Google Scholar Until then, IARC withheld the names of members of the working group because of concern that attempts could be made to influence them before a meeting. Nevertheless, both sides of the issue have good arguments. Upcoming meetings Oct 11–18, 2005 Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons Feb 7–14, 2006 Carbon black, titanium dioxide, non-asbestiform talc Upcoming meetings Oct 11–18, 2005 Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons Feb 7–14, 2006 Carbon black, titanium dioxide, non-asbestiform talc Increased transparency in IARC Monograph programmeIn 2003, The Lancet Oncology and The Lancet published a series of articles1–4 about the credibility of WHO's International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). These articles criticised a lack of transparency in the Monograph programme—an initiative established in 1971 to assess independently the carcinogenic risk to human beings of various agents, chemicals, and other substances. The articles also highlighted concerns about the inappropriate influence of invited specialists who had links to industry; the lack of disclosure of conflict-of-interest declarations; and the publication of names of working-group members only after attendance of the Monograph meetings. Full-Text PDF