Causative agents in the induction of bladder cancer.

A survey of many of the known or suspected causative agents in the etiology of bladder cancer is presented. In several instances, a comparison of the epidemiological evidence and the results of animal bioassays is made. Difficulties in the interpretation of animal studies and the extrapolation of animal data to estimate human risk is discussed. Each class of chemicals, such as the aromatic aminatic amines or the non-nutritive sweetners, presents its unique problems when attempts are made to evaluate its potential as a causative agent in the etiology of bladder cancer.