The role of regenerative cell proliferation in chloroform-induced cancer

Toxicol Lett. 1995 Dec:82-83:23-6. doi: 10.1016/0378-4274(95)03543-5.

Abstract

Chloroform produces cancer by a nongenotoxic-cytotoxic mode of action, with no increased cancer risk expected at noncytotoxic doses. The default risk assessment for inhaled chloroform relies on liver tumor incidence from a gavage study with female B6C3F1 mice and estimates a virtually safe dose (VSD) at an airborne concentration of 0.000008 ppm of chloroform. In contrast, a 1000-fold safety factor applied to the NOAEL for liver cytotoxicity from inhalation studies yields a VSD of 0.01 ppm. This estimate relies on inhalation data and is more consistent with the mode of action of chloroform.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Division / drug effects*
  • Chloroform / toxicity*
  • DNA / drug effects
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Mice
  • Neoplasms / chemically induced*
  • Rats
  • Risk Assessment

Substances

  • Chloroform
  • DNA