Carcinogenic chemicals used in key industries and agriculture in Tanzania: A descriptive study

Abstract

Introduction: In Tanzania, about 50,000 cancer cases are reported annually, and this number is projected to double by 2030. Workplace exposure to carcinogens is a potential contributor to this rising cancer burden. Despite this, there is limited data on the presence and use of carcinogenic chemicals in workplaces, particularly in developing countries like sub-Saharan Africa. This study aimed to describe the presence of carcinogens in chemicals used in key industries and agriculture in Tanzania. Methods: The study used secondary data on chemicals used in industries and agriculture in Tanzania. Data were obtained from the Government Chemist Laboratory Authority (GCLA) and the Tanzania Plant Health and Pesticide Authority (TPHPA). The chemicals reported were classified for carcinogenicity based on the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). The carcinogens were classified into groups 1, 2A, and 2B. The proportion of carcinogens was obtained by dividing the total carcinogens (groups 1, 2A, and 2B) by the total chemical agents/mixtures assessed. Results: The study assessed 1,332 chemical agents and 1,448 chemical mixtures from various industries. Carcinogenicity was evaluated for all chemical agents and for 1,356 (94%) of the chemical mixtures. Out of 1,332 chemical agents assessed, 7% contained carcinogens, and out of 1,356 chemical mixtures assessed, 4% contained carcinogens. Formaldehyde, a Group 1 carcinogen, was the most prevalent in 45% of the selected key industries. Additionally, out of the 1,855 pesticides assessed, 2% were found to contain carcinogens. Conclusion: This study highlights the presence of carcinogens in chemicals used in key industries and agriculture in Tanzania, posing a potential risk to workers in these workplaces. These findings underscore the need for robust regulatory measures and further research to mitigate workplace exposure to carcinogens.