National Toxicology Program

• Primary Uses or Exposures: HPVs are small, non-enveloped viruses that infect genital mucosa. HPV infections are common throughout the world. Genital-mucosal HPVs are transmitted primarily through sexual contact with infected cervical, vaginal, vulvar, penile, or anal epithelium.
• Nominated by: NIEHS
• Basis for Nomination: IARC¹ classification of HPV strains 16 and 18 as carcinogenic to humans based on sufficient evidence in humans; strains 31, 33 as probably carcinogenic to humans based on limited evidence in humans; some other types as possibly carcinogenic to humans based on limited evidence in humans. IARC noted that there is evidence to suggest that HPV types 6 and 11 (low risk) do not cause cancer of the cervix.
• Current Status: Listed in the RoC as known to be a human carcinogen since the 11th RoC (2004)

¹ International Agency For Research On Cancer (IARC)