CANCER

Carcinogens - Causes Cancer - Occupational Carcinogens include arsenic, asbestos, benzene, cadmium, chromium, nickel and vinyl chloride. Mutagens - Affects the biochemistry of reproduction - Most occupational carcinogens which have been discovered to date are mutagens, and therefore appear to be cancer initiators. This explains the long latency period which is required for further mutations to occur; in many instances the necessary further mutations may never occur, and cancer may never develop. Environmental - 80% to 90% of cancer cases are linked to environmental factors Factors - They include particularly: ultraviolet (solar) radiation; tobacco smoking; alcohol drinking; betel quid chewing; hepatitis B; hepatitis C and human papilloma viruses; aflatoxins; possibly dietary fat, and dietary fibre and vitamin A and C deficiency; reproductive delay; and asbestos. - Geography is also accounted for as environmental factors (subfactors include Way of Living in a certain area). Prevention of - Prevention of occupationally induced cancer involves at least two stages: first, Cancer identification of a specific compound or occupational environment as carcinogenic; and second, imposing appropriate regulatory control. The principles and practice of regulatory control of known or suspected cancer hazards in the work environment vary considerably, not only among different parts of the developed and developing world, but also among countries of similar socio-economic development. Environmental - There are three main strategies for reducing workplace exposures to known or Controls suspected carcinogens: elimination of the substance, reduced exposure by reduced emission or improved ventilation, and personal protection of the workers. - Elimination of a compound may give rise to problems when replacement substances are introduced and when the toxicity of the replacement substance must be lower than that of the substance replaced. - Reducing the exposure at the source may be relatively easily accomplished for process chemicals by encapsulation of the process and ventilation. - Reduction of exposure at the source may be difficult to apply to substances that are used under less controlled conditions, or are formed during the work operation (e.g., motor exhausts). The compliance with exposure limits requires regular monitoring of workroom air levels. - When exposure cannot be controlled either by elimination or by reduced emissions, the use of personal protection devices is the only remaining way to minimize the exposure. These devices range from filter masks to air-supplied helmets and protective clothing. The main route of exposure must be considered in deciding appropriate protection. - Personal protection must be considered as a last resort, to be attempted only when more effective ways of reducing exposure fail.

KNOWN AND SUSPECTED OCCUPATIONAL CARCINOGENS

EXPOSURE TO:
4-Aminobiphenyl Arsenic and Arsenic Compounds Asbestos Benzene
By RGGBorbon

HUMAN TARGET / ORGAN Bladder Lung and Skin Lung, Pleura and Peritoneum Leukemia
RGGB Safety Files

MAIN INDUSTRY USE Rubber Manufacture Glass, Metals and Pesticides Insulation, Filter Materials, Textiles Solvent and Fuel
Source: Safe Work Encyclopedia

Benzidine Beryllium and Beryllium Compounds Bis(chloromethyl)ether Chloromethyl Methylether (Technical Grade) Cadmium and Cadmium Compounds Chromium (IV) Compounds Coal-tar Pitches Coal-tar Ethylene Oxide Mineral Oils Untreated and Mildly Treated Mustard Gas (Sulfur Mustard) 2-Naphthylamine Nickel Compounds Shale Oils Soots Talc Containing Asbestiform Fibres Vinyl Chloride Wood Dust

Bladder Lungs Lungs Lungs Lungs Nasal Cavity and Lungs Skin, Lung and Bladder Skin and Lung Leukemia Skin Pharynx and Lungs Bladder Nasal Cavity and Lungs Skin Skin and Lungs Lung Liver, Lung and Blood Vessels Nasal Cavity

Dye/pigment manufacture, lab agent Aerospace Industries Metals Chemical Intermediate / By-product Chemical Intermediate / By-product Dye/pigment manufacture Metal Plating and Dye/pigment Manufacture Building Material and Electrodes Fuel Chemical Intermediate and Sterilant Lubricants War Gas Dye/pigment Manufacture Metallurgy, Alloys and Catalysts Lubricant and Fuels Pigments Paper and Paints Plastics and Monomer Wood Industry

By RGGBorbon

RGGB Safety Files

Source: Safe Work Encyclopedia