Broad-spectrum ultraviolet radiation, wood dust created in cutting and shaping wood, nickel compounds, and beryllium and its compounds are known human carcinogens, according to a new report from the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), an agency of the Department of Health and Human Services.

The biennial report is mandated by Congress as a way to help keep the public informed about substances or exposure circumstances "known" or "reasonably anticipated" to cause human cancers.

Beryllium is not new to the list, but was previously listed as "reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen." The report says about 800,000 workers are exposed via inhalation of beryllium dust or skin contact with products containing beryllium. Workers with the highest potential for exposure include beryllium miners, beryllium alloy makers, ceramics workers, missile technicians, nuclear reactor workers, jewelers, and electric and electronic equipment workers.

Metallic nickel is a metal used mainly in alloys, with most exposures by inhalation or skin contact in the workplace. Wood dust is particularly prevalent in sawmills, furniture-making, and cabinet-making.

Among other substances added to the list are IQ, a compound formed during direct cooking with high heat; 2,2-bis, a flame-retardant chemical used to make some polyester resins; and vinylfluoride, which is used in making polyvinyl fluoride and related fluoropolymers.