Frequently Asked Questions: Occupational Health Hazards

These FAQs describe the reasons that work exposures can have distinct health effects, especially exposures to carcinogenic chemicals. The highest risk jobs and the most common types of work-related cancers are given, as well as jobs associated with other types of health effects, such as breathing and skin problems.

• How can you be sure that worker's health problems come from exposure to substances at work?
• What types of things are we exposed to at work that can affect our health?
• How big of a problem are these work exposures in regards to cancer?
• What kinds of jobs put you at the greatest risk of developing cancer?
• Are there other types of medical problems caused by work exposures?
• References

How can you be sure that workers' health problems come from exposure to substances at work?

To quote Paracelsus, the dose makes up the poison. In many cases, workers are exposed to much higher amounts of a hazardous substance and for a much longer time than occurs in their everyday lives.

Examples of this may include a spray painter exposed to the chemicals in paints, a sewage worker exposed to a biological agent that causes diarrhea, a carpenter exposed to wood dust, a housekeeper exposed to toxic cleaning agents, and a nurse exposed to infectious micro organisms. In addition, these workers are often subjected to multiple exposures in their environment (e.g. the housekeeper may be exposed to biological agents and dust, as well as cleaning fluids).

(European Agency for Safety and Health at Work)

What types of things are we exposed to at work that can affect our health?

• Physical
  • Non-ionizing radiation e.g. microwaves, infra-red, visible and ultra-violet light
  • Ionizing radiation e.g. X-rays, gamma rays, beta particles, alpha particles from radon
  • Noise (usually measured in decibels dB) and vibration
  • Temperature, humidity etc.
  • Ergonomic: Posture, movement (e.g. keyboard operation), load bearing (e.g. patient handling)
• Chemical
  • Inorganic - e.g. lead, arsenic, silica
  • Organic - e.g. solvents, resins, glues, fluxes (vapors and gases are usually expressed in concentrations of parts per million or per billion: ppm or ppb)
• Biological
  • Allergens of biological origin:- laboratory animals, insects, mites, wood and other plant material, fungal spores
  • Infections: Bacteria: Tuberculosis, Bruce, Leptons etc.
  • Viruses: e.g. Hepatitis B from needle stick injuries

(Agius 2007)

How big of a problem are these work exposures in regards to cancer?

Based on well-documented associations between occupational exposures and cancer, it is estimated that approximately 20,000 cancer deaths and 40,000 new cases of cancer each year in the U.S. are attributable to a person's occupation.

Less than 2% of chemicals in commerce have been tested for carcinogenicity.

10% of lung cancer, 21% to 27% of bladder cancers, and nearly 100% of mesotheliomas in the U.S. population are caused by occupational exposures to carcinogens.

(Intercultural Cancer Council 2004; National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health)

What kinds of jobs put you at the greatest risk of developing cancer?

Every year, millions of U.S. workers are exposed to substances known to cause cancer in animals, and even some that are carcinogenic to humans. For example, individuals whose work exposes them to asbestos, a known human carcinogen, in industries such as insulation work, are three to four times more likely to develop lung cancer than workers who are not exposed to it. Numerous industries in which occupational exposure to carcinogens is higher than in other workplaces, as well as the people whose workplace exposes them to carcinogenic materials everyday are listed here.

(Blair; Brown 2007; National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health)

Are there other types of medical problems caused by work exposures?

Individuals involved in occupations such as bakers, farmers, carpenters and construction workers, where workers operate in dusty environments, have a higher chance of getting asthma.

Those who work with the following substances can suffer occupational asthma or allergic respiratory diseases such as trinities:

• Disincarnate used in paints
• Flour or grain dust
• Wood dust
• Natural rubber latex
• Enzymes
• Agricultural moulds and viruses
• Crystalline silica

Many chemicals can cause skin problems. Workers that are at higher risk for skin problems include:

• Hairdressers (mainly from the combined effect of water and chemicals, such as those used in perms)
• Construction workers (particularly if using wet cement containing Chromium VI)
• Cooks
• Cleaners v Dental nurses
• Mechanics
• Printers

(European Agency for Safety and Health at Work)

References:

• Agius R. 2007 June. Ill-Health and the Work Environment. Accessed 2007 Nov 9.
• Blair A, Ph.D. National Cancer Institute. Occupation. Accessed 2007 Nov 9.
• Brown, Jay A., MD, MPH. 2007 Haz-Map: Occupational Cancer. Accessed 2007 Nov 9.
• European Agency for Safety and Health at Work. Frequently Asked Questions on Dangerous Substances. Accessed 2007 Nov 9.
• Intercultural Cancer Council. Baylor College of Medicine. 2004 January. Workplace & Cancer. Accessed 2007 Nov 9.
• National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. Occupational Cancer. Accessed 2007 Nov 9.
• Recent media coverage - The Ottowa Citizen: Canada exporting 'misery' of asbestos: Indian MD (12/15/07)

To inquire about Center for Environmental Oncology activities, please send an e-mail to envonc@upmc.edu or call 412-623-3375.