What are examples of occupational exposures that have been associated with exposure to carcinogens?
Examples of occupations and occupational groups that are more likely to be exposed to cancer risk are listed in the table below. Please note: This list was compiled from information available from reputable sources, but it is not complete. It represents associations that have been reported in literature between occupations and examples of substances often linked to cancer that may have been used in the workplace. Exposure to a carcinogen does not necessarily mean that you will develop cancer. The OSH Answers on Occupational Cancer has more information. Acrolein, acrylonitrile, asbestos, benzene, cadmium, crystalline silica, diesel engine exhaust, formaldehyde, hepatitis B virus, hepatitis C virus, hexavalent chromium, lead, night shift work, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and ultraviolet radiation. Adapted from: Boffetta, P, et al. Current perspectives on occupational cancer risks. International journal of occupational and environmental health, Vol. 1, no. 4 (1995). p. 315-325 Carex: Carcinogen Profiles (various). Occupational Medicine Clinical Update - Occupational Carcinogens - What makes it on the list. Fall 2005 - Occupational Health Workers for Ontario Workers Inc. (OHCOW) Siemiatycki, J, et al. Listing occupational carcinogens. Environmental Health Perspectives, Vol. 112, no. 15 (2004). p. 1447-1459 International Agency for Research on Cancer, 2023. List of Classifications: Agents classified by the IARC Monographs. As viewed on February 27, 2023 Occupational Cancer Research Centre. Burden of occupational cancer in Canada: Major workplace carcinogens and prevention of exposure. Toronto, ON: 2019