Occupational exposures

There is a growing evidence base linking exposure to carcinogens (cancer-causing agents) in the workplace to a number of cancers types, particularly cancers of the skin, lung and bladder. Recent research also links laryngeal and sinonasal cancers with exposure to occupational carcinogens.

In 2006, it was estimated that 6.5% of cancer cases in Australia could be attributed to workplace exposures (10.8% in men, 2.2% in women). The potential to prevent occupational cancers through improved workplace regulation is therefore an increasingly important public health policy issue in Australia.

The occupational cancers chapter of our National Cancer Prevention Policy provides a detailed analysis of the latest evidence, the policy context and recommendations for reducing the impact of occupational cancers in Australia.

Sources:

• Occupational cancer in Australia. 2006
• Australian Safety and Compensation Council, Commonwealth of Australia