Carcinogenicity of some metals evaluated by the IARC Monographs: A synopsis of the evaluations of arsenic, cadmium, cobalt, and antimony.

Metals represent a major area of concern due to their extensive industrial applications, environmental persistence, and well-documented adverse health effects. Notably, metals (and metalloids) such as arsenic, cadmium, beryllium, chromium, cobalt, lead, and nickel are known for their toxicity and carcinogenic potential, raising significant public health concerns. Human exposure to these metals occurs through different routes, posing both environmental and workplace hazards. The Monographs programme of the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) plays a critical role in identifying carcinogenic hazards to humans, providing a robust scientific foundation for global actions to prevent cancer. This review focuses on selected metals and metalloids: arsenic, cadmium, cobalt, and antimony, emphasizing how the IARC evaluation process considers the biological properties of the metals and their compounds, and the evidence from experimental animal studies and mechanistic data, including the application of the key characteristics of carcinogens (KCs) framework, in determining carcinogenic potential. The IARC Monographs contribute to a comprehensive understanding of metal-induced carcinogenicity and reinforce the importance of systematic, evidence-based approaches to inform public health interventions and regulatory decision-making.