Carcinogens in the workplace

While many of us may be aware of certain foods or lifestyle choices that could increase the risk of cancer — the latest under scrutiny to hit mainstream news is hot beverages — many of us may be less aware of increased cancer risks associated with the type of work we do.

The latest reports from the Australian Work Exposure Study (AWES), however, offers estimates on the likelihood of potential exposure to 38 known or suspected carcinogens likely to be used in Australian workplaces.

Carcinogens are substances capable of causing cancer. Common, well-known workplace carcinogens include solar UV radiation, asbestos, silica dust, environmental (or second-hand) tobacco smoke, diesel engine exhaust and wood dust.

The reports examined exposure to carcinogens for study participants in the agricultural, construction and manufacturing industries.

“The data used in these reports are based on the Australian Work Exposure Study, a national survey that collected information from a random sample of 5528 respondents about their activities in the workplace and the controls used when performing those activities,” Safe Work Australia Director of Research and Evaluation Dr Fleur de Crespigny said.

“This information was used to estimate possible and probable exposures among respondents to 38 agents classified by the International Agency for Research on Cancer as known or suspected carcinogens.”

The reports use AWES data to estimate carcinogenic exposures for study participants within each industry, identify the main circumstances of those exposures and describe the reported use of workplace controls and protective measures designed to decrease those exposures.

“It’s important to note that while most workers will not develop cancer as a result of work-related exposures, those exposed to known or suspected carcinogens are at greater risk,” said Dr de Crespigny.

“While existing work health and safety guidance provides information about potential health effects and how exposures might occur and be prevented, the results from this study suggest that the use of controls could be improved by taking further preventative measures specific to each industry.”

For more information about health effects, common exposure scenarios and options for preventing or minimising potential exposures to carcinogens, see the Agricultural Industry report, the Construction Industry report or the Manufacturing Industry report.

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