Does this actually cause cancer? Here's what the evidence says, and what it doesn't.
Meyron is a free guide to what's linked to cancer, how strong the evidence is, and what that does and doesn't mean for you.
Drawn from IARC monographs, WHO, WCRF, Cancer Research UK, and the U.S. National Cancer Institute. Every classification is paired with what's not yet established.
No ads. No product sales. Every claim cited to its source.
Three ways to explore
These match the tabs at the top of the page. Pick whichever fits what you're wondering about.
Browse by strength of evidence
Important: hazard is not the same as risk
IARC classifications describe the strength of evidence that something can cause cancer under some conditions, not how dangerous a particular exposure is to you. Your actual risk depends on dose, duration, and route of exposure. A Group 1 classification does not mean an exposure is unavoidable or catastrophic.
Search by everyday product
Instead of starting with a chemical name, start with something you actually encounter. Meyron lists which IARC-classified factors are documented in each, with the primary source cited.
Why Meyron
About 7 in 10 Americans say it's hard to know which cancer advice to follow.
The best sources are written for researchers. Meyron is bite-size, sourced, and doesn't sell fear.
How we do it →Browse factors by category
Frequently referenced
- IARC Group 1AflatoxinsFood & Drink
Eaten. A toxin made by moulds on crops such as maize, peanuts and tree nuts, mostly in warm, humid regions. Also found in meat and dairy from animals fed contaminated feed. Farm workers can breathe in dust from contaminated crops and feed.
- IARC Group 1Alcoholic beveragesFood & Drink
Eaten and drunk. Beer, wine, spirits — risk rises with the amount consumed.
- IARC Group 1AsbestosOccupational
Breathed. Older insulation, ceiling tiles, vinyl flooring, vehicle brake pads, and some industrial products. Most current exposure comes from disturbing legacy materials during renovation.
- IARC Group 1BenzeneAir & Environment
Breathed. Gasoline vapours at the pump, vehicle exhaust, cigarette smoke, and occupational exposure in petrochemicals.
- IARC Group 1Combined menopausal hormone therapyMedications & Medical
Prescription medication. Used to manage menopausal symptoms.
- IARC Group 1Combined oral contraceptivesMedications & Medical
Prescription medication. Most widely used reversible contraceptive worldwide.