Cancer due to occupation in Australia

Abstract

Objective: This paper reviews previous attempts to estimate the proportion of cancers caused by occupational factors in Australia and overseas and calculates an estimate of the burden of occupational cancer in Australia.

Occupational Health and Safety in Australia

“…Further, the long latency (time lag between exposure and diagnosis), which typically is at least about ten to fifteen years and may be several decades, makes it difficult to clearly establish -or even to recognise-the connection between exposure and disease. The best estimate available for Australia is that there are approximately 5,000 invasive cancers and 34,000 non-melanoma skin cancers per year caused by occupational exposures 18) . The vast majority of these cancers are due to exposures from several decades beforehand and so do not properly reflect risks arising from current exposures.…”

“…There is no direct information available on the number of workers currently exposed to carcinogens, nor on the nature and intensity of those exposures. However, based on other data extrapolated to the Australia workforce there are probably about 1.5 million Australian workers exposed to known carcinogens 18) .…”

Influence of reflected UV irradiance on occupational exposure from combinations of reflective wall surfaces

“…[1][2][3][4] Conversely it can be detrimental in excessive quantities through an increased induction of erythema (sunburn), non-melanoma and melanoma skin cancer, ocular damage, DNA damage 5 and is linked to immunosuppression and photo aging. 6 Populations of UV sensitive people are generally at risk from damage due to UV radiation when living in areas of high ambient UV radiation, however that risk is increased in members of the population who occupationally spend working hours exposed to solar UV radiation [7][8][9] depending on skin type and individual factors. 10 It has previously been shown that outdoor workers can be exposed to excessive levels of UV exposure, and that UV exposure is dependent on the occupation.…”

A priority list of occupational carcinogenic agents for preventative action in Australia

“…The absence of reliable data has meant there is little impetus or guidance for Australian policy makers and cancer organisations to direct attention and resources towards preventing exposures to carcinogens at work and consequent disease. 4 The first step in preventing occupational cancers is to identify the carcinogenic exposures that are present at work and the likely level (intensity and duration) of exposure to those carcinogens. Exposure to the carcinogens can then be minimised by implementing the hierarchy of control (elimination, substitution, separation, changing work practices or personal protection equipment).…”

“…3 Approximately 1.5 million Australian workers may be exposed to occupational carcinogens in their current job. 4 This estimate was produced by applying European Union (EU) exposure estimates to Australian employment data because there are no comprehensive data on occupational exposure to carcinogens or on occupational cancer in Australia. The absence of reliable data has meant there is little impetus or guidance for Australian policy makers and cancer organisations to direct attention and resources towards preventing exposures to carcinogens at work and consequent disease.…”