Managing Carcinogens in the Work Environment

Abstract

Concern about occupational carcinogens has increased with the promulgation of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's (OSHA) Hazard Communication standard and the various state worker right-to-know laws. Management concerns have also heightened because of the potential for huge financial liabilities resulting from carcinogen-related litigation. Educating management and workers about actual or perceived carcinogenic risks is a delicate and difficult task for the industrial hygienist and the safety professional.

This review article describes the nature of occupational carcinogenesis, the proven or suspect carcinogens most commonly found in the work environment, and the correlation between chemical structure and carcinogenic activity. The article also identifies the various agencies and organizations that classify chemicals or processes as carcinogenic or suspect, including the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, the International Agency for Research on Cancer, the National Toxicology Program, and the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists, and describes the current and anticipated regulations related to the handling of carcinogens or suspect carcinogens in the workplace.

Regulatory activities related to workplace carcinogens include OSHA's Hazard Communication standard, the proposed OSHA cancer policy, House Bill H.R. 162, and Senate Bill S.79. These two related bills deal with the notification and prevention of high risk occupational diseases.

Control measures are identified to minimize exposure to occupational carcinogens and to assist company managers in avoiding investments in products or technologies that involve potential carcinogen hazards. Some discussion of nonoccupational exposure to carcinogens is provided including carcinogen intake from food, soil, water, smoking, and ambient air.