Occupational Carcinogens

WHILE REPORTS OF occupational carcinogens were documented as early as the 17th century, it was only after World War II that a great deal of attention began to be paid to the reality of carcinogens in the workplace. By the beginning of the 21st century, it was known that industrial chemicals make up approximately one-half of all known carcinogens.

Even though most people are more likely to associate occupational carcinogens with workers who are employed in factories and mines, lethal substances may also be present in offices, laboratories, hospitals, work sites, and in many other places of business. Exposure to a cancer-causing agent does not mean that a worker will contract cancer, but it does increase risks of certain types of cancer.

In order to make the ...