Occupational cancer burden

Abstract

Exposures encountered in the general environment and at work and the potential adverse health effects arising from them are the topic of a large body of multidisciplinary research and of public concern. Investigation involves both knowledge of the source and nature of the hazard and an understanding of the relationship of the exposure to the disease. Epidemiological studies of industrial workforces have played an important role in the identification of carcinogens and the understanding of the etiology of cancer. The working environment should not be a place where there is a risk of disease or injury, yet many thousands of workers worldwide are exposed to hazardous substances at work every day. Although substances related to occupational cancer are often associated with chemical exposures, especially man-made, a wider definition is needed to encompass all patterns of working.