The Risks of Carcinogenic Chemicals at Work
Cancer remains the most common cause of work-related death, accounting for more than half of all occupational fatalities in Western countries. One of the main reasons is exposure to carcinogenic chemicals at work.
What Are Carcinogenic Chemicals?
Carcinogenic chemicals are substances that can cause cancer or increase its likelihood after prolonged or repeated exposure. They may act by damaging genetic material (DNA), disrupting cell processes, or triggering chronic inflammation that leads to cancer development over time.
Such chemicals can be naturally occurring, like asbestos and radon, or man-made, such as benzene, formaldehyde, or certain polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). In many workplaces, carcinogens are found not only as raw materials but also as by-products of industrial processes, such as welding fumes, diesel exhaust, or dust generated during mineral work.
Because cancer often take decades to develop, the danger is not always immediately visible. This makes early identification, control, and documentation of exposures vital to prevent long-term harm and ensure a healthy working life.
Examples of Carcinogenic Chemicals
- Asbestos: Still present in older buildings, released during renovation or demolition
- Diesel exhaust: From vehicles and machinery in poorly ventilated areas
- Radon gas: In tunnels, basements, and mining operations
- Respirable crystalline silica (quartz): From drilling, cutting, or sandblasting mineral materials
- Welding fumes: A mixture of metal oxides, gases, and particles
Why Carcinogenic Chemicals Should Be a Priority
Most cases of work-related cancer can be prevented, but only if we know who is exposed, to what, and in what quantities. However, many companies lack sufficient oversight and documentation, making effective prevention difficult.
There is a clear need for better registration of chemical exposures, systematic follow-up, and preventative measures.
Substitution: Replacing Hazardous Chemicals Before They Cause Harm
One of the most effective ways to prevent exposure is through substitution and replacing hazardous substances and processes with safer alternatives. Reducing the use of carcinogenic or otherwise harmful chemicals lowers the risk of disease, improves workplace safety, and contributes to a more sustainable business.
The Exposure Register
A helpful but often overlooked tool is the exposure register, which keeps track of employees who are, or may be, exposed to hazardous substances.
The exposure register has three critical purposes:
- To give employers an overview of who has been exposed to harmful conditions
- To ensure tracability over time
- To provide evidence in cases of occupational disease or compensation claims
The goal is not only compliance, but also the long-term protection of employees’ health.
Today, digital health, safety, and environment (HSE) tools make it possible to manage this work systematically and transparently.
Building a Culture of Responsibility
A systematic focus on documenting, substitution, and chemical control is not only effective HSE practice but also socially and economically responsible.
For affected workers, work-related cancer can mean loss of health, income, and quality of life. For society, it entails significant costs for healthcare, social security, and lost productivity. Preventing such outcomes through better documentation and safer chemical choices benefits everyone.
By combining knowledge of carcinogenic risks, active substitution, and digital tools for chemical management, companies can create safer workplaces and protect the health of future generations.
