10 December 2020 – Acrolein and crotonaldehyde are reactive aldehydes that are produced in high volumes and used in the manufacture of numerous chemical products such as herbicides in recirculating water systems, pharmaceuticals, rubber, chemicals, leather, and food and agriculture. Tobacco smoke is a major source of exposure in the general population. Acrolein is also formed during combustion of fuels, wood, and plastics, and is present in ambient air pollution and vapor from electronic cigarettes. IARC classified Acrolein as probably carcinogenic to humans (Group 2A), while crotonaldehyde was classified as possibly carcinogenic to humans (Group 2B).
Arecoline, which has a mild psychoactive effect, was also classified as possibly carcinogenic to humans (Group 2B). Arecoline mainly found in Areca catechu (also referred as betel nut) which grows in Southeast and South Asia, and parts of East Africa.
Related link
IARC Monographs evaluation of the carcinogenicity of acrolein, crotonaldehyde, and arecoline
