Biogeochemical structure of ecosystems and cancer endpoints

During the last decades researches in human health risk and biogeochemistry were 

In accordance with existing knowledge, the inorganic and organic species of Ni, Be, Pt, Cd, Pb, Co, Zn, Mn, Fe, Ti and Hg are suspected carcinogens or procarcinogens (see Box 1. for classification of carcinogens). 

Cancer is a condition characterized by the uncontrolled replication and growth of the body s own cells (somatic cells). Carcinogenic agents may be categorized as follows  

Chemical agents, such as many chemical organic and inorganic compounds  

Clearly, in many cases, cancer is the result of the action of synthetic and naturally occurring chemical species. The role of chemicals in causing cancer is called chemical carcinogenesis. It is often regarded as the single most important facet of toxicology and clearly the one that receives the most publicity. 

---