Suspected cancer-causing agents in the hospital environment

Samples of articles, such as cleaning agents and personal hygiene products, found in patient hospital rooms or used in these areas were tested for their cancer-producing potential in a short-term, in vitro assay. The DNA cell-binding (DCB) test used to screen these articles was previously found accurate in indicating a chemical's potential to induce tumors in more than 95% of cases. Seventeen out of fifty-one articles tested in the present study were found to be positive; i.e., they should be considered potentially dangerous to humans. We believe that efforts should be made to eliminate, to the extent possible, such potential carcinogens from the hospital environment. Simple steps to accomplish this goal are suggested.