Occupational cancers | Health and Safety Executive

What is Cancer?

Cancer is a serious, life threatening condition where cells in a specific part of the body, grow and reproduce uncontrollably. The cancerous cells can invade and destroy surrounding healthy tissue, including organs which, in many cases, proves fatal.

Occupational cancer is caused when employees are significantly exposed to carcinogens (cancer-causing substances) and/or mutagens (genetic mutation causing agents) in their workplace.

Certain industries or jobs may involve employees coming into contact with carcinogens and mutagens which can increase the risk of developing various types of cancer over time. These cancers are typically preventable when proper control measures are applied, regulations are followed, and protective equipment is used correctly.

For an occupational exposure to be judged as the likely cause of the condition, there should be reasonable evidence that the person's work activity was the source of exposure, such as whether the person's work involved a known carcinogen or agent.

In Northern Ireland lung cancers remain the leading cause of occupational cancer deaths with past exposure to asbestos being a significant factor.

What causes Occupational Cancer?

Occupational cancers can be caused by prolonged exposure, not only to chemical substances such as dust and fumes, but also from other agents including ultra-violet radiation (UVR) from the sun.

Carcinogens and mutagens in the workplace can occur in many forms, i.e., they can be solids, liquids, vapours, mixtures, gases, dusts, or ionising radiation, of which exposure can be caused by breathing them in, skin absorption, or being swallowed.

Carcinogens and mutagens have a varying potential to cause occupational cancer. Whether you are at risk depends on the kind of work that you do and whether there are measures in place to prevent exposure to particular carcinogens and mutagens which may be present in your workplace.

There is usually a latency period (often more than 10 years and up to 40 or 50 years) between these exposures and any ill-health symptoms developing.

Common types of occupational cancers and their associated risks are:

Asbestos-related cancers

types of cancer: Mesothelioma (a cancer of the lining of the lungs or abdomen), lung cancer
carcinogen: asbestos fibres, which can be inhaled and cause damage to the lungs and other tissues over time
at-risk occupations: construction workers, shipbuilders, miners, insulation workers, plumbers, electricians

Lung cancer

carcinogens: asbestos, radon, benzene, diesel exhaust emissions (DEE), coal dust, arsenic, and other chemicals
at-risk occupations: miners, construction workers, industrial workers, factory workers exposed to chemicals, and workers in the transportation industry

Nasopharyngeal cancer and other head and neck cancers

carcinogens: formaldehyde, wood dust, certain metals (nickel, chromium), asbestos
at-risk occupations: employee’s in the wood industry, construction workers, workers in the funeral industry (formaldehyde exposure), and those exposed to metal fumes in manufacturing

Skin cancer

types of cancer: Basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, melanoma
carcinogens: UVR from sun exposure or artificial sources (for example, tanning beds), certain chemicals like arsenic
at-risk occupations: outdoor workers (for example, farmers, construction workers, gardeners), commercial fishermen, and people working in roles with significant UVR exposure, such as welding

Breast cancer

carcinogens: some chemicals (for example, pesticides, solvents), radiation exposure
at-risk occupations: employee’s in the healthcare sector (radiology workers, nurses exposed to chemicals), industrial workers

Bladder cancer

carcinogens: aromatic amines (chemicals used in the manufacturing of dyes, rubber, and plastics), benzene, and other chemicals
at-risk occupations: employees in the chemical, rubber, dye, and leather industries; truck drivers exposed to diesel exhaust

Kidney cancer

carcinogens: cadmium, certain solvents, and asbestos
at-risk occupations: employee’s in the battery manufacturing, mining, and painting industries

Stomach cancer

carcinogens: certain chemicals, including those used in rubber and metal manufacturing, and long-term exposure to substances like diesel exhaust
at-risk occupations: workers in industrial settings, especially those dealing with chemicals and fuels

Risk factors for occupational cancer

Chemical exposure

Employees who handle chemicals or work in environments where they may inhale fumes or dust particles from toxic substances are at higher risk.

Radiation exposure

Some employees, such as those in healthcare (for example, radiologists) or nuclear power plants, are at risk due to ionizing radiation exposure.

Carcinogenic metals

Employees exposed to heavy metals, such as arsenic, cadmium, chromium, and nickel, are at increased risk.

Physical and environmental stressors

Prolonged physical stress, such as high heat or UVR exposure, can also increase cancer risks.

Other

The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has evaluated that night shift work is ‘probably carcinogenic to humans’ (Group 2A classification).

However, as prescribed within the Health and Safety Executive (HSE (GB)) HSG256 publication, research into a possible link between shift work and breast cancer has been inconclusive.

Some studies suggest an increased risk of cancer while others do not, therefore more research is required to sufficiently determine whether or not night shift work increases the risk of cancer. Individual and social factors may also contribute to the risk of ill health effects.

For further information, please see the following links:

Preventing occupational cancers

Not all occupational cancers are caused by exposure to substances.

Under the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations (NI) 2003 (as amended) (COSHH NI), where there is risk to health, whether immediate or delayed, arising from exposure to a substance or substances hazardous to health, the employer is required by law, to manage exposures to such hazardous substances to protect employees' health.

Under COSHH NI employers should:

assess the risks
apply the hierarchy of control:
- elimination - physically remove the hazard
- substitution - replace the hazard
- engineering controls - isolate people from the hazard
- administrative controls - change and manage the way people work
- PPE/RPE - protect the worker with suitable personal protective equipment (PPE) / respiratory protective equipment (RPE)
provide appropriate health/medical surveillance or health monitoring for workers at risk

Carcinogenic and mutagenic substances

Under COSHH NI, exposure to substances which meet the definition of a ‘carcinogen’ and/or a ‘mutagen’ must be reduced to as low as is reasonably practicable (ALARP).

Furthermore, Regulation 7(5) of COSHH NI sets out clear requirements for the control of exposure to carcinogenic and mutagenic substances.

For more information, please see the following link:

Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2003 - (legislation.gov.uk)

Exposure at work

Employees are often concerned about prior or unexpected short duration exposure at work and the likelihood of developing cancer. The level and duration of exposure are both factors in estimating the risk.

If workers have concerns about exposure they should talk to their employer in the first instance and then speak to their GP if they still have concerns.

It is important that employers and employees recognise that not everyone exposed to carcinogenic and mutagenic substances will develop cancer.

Many employees and employers are complacent working with carcinogens and mutagens because other workers have been exposed and not become ill. Just because some workers do not develop cancer it does not mean the substance is low risk or safe.

HSE(GB) publication EH40/2005 Workplace exposure limits provides a legally binding list of substances, including carcinogens and mutagens, with specified workplace exposure limits (WELs) which must not be exceeded.

Note: Not all substances that are suspected to cause cancer are prescribed within HSE (GB) EH40/2005 publication. The absence of a substance from the list does not indicate that it is safe.

Under the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (Northern Ireland 1997 (RIDDOR NI), employers and self-employed workers are required to report cases of cancer where there is an established causal link between the type of cancer diagnosed and workplace exposure to carcinogens and/or mutagens.

Resources

Key Legislation

Please note that these links are to the original legislation, visitors should verify for themselves whether legislation is in force or whether it has been amended or repealed by subsequent legislation.