Carcinogens at Work

When most people think of carcinogens they think of cigarettes, alcohol and maybe tanning. But the truth is there are a few carcinogens that we need to look out for on site.

 So, what are carcinogens and how do we reduce or mitigate the hazard? Carcinogens are harmful substances that have the potential to cause cancer in those exposed to them. This could be long term exposure or high intensity exposure. Every human body is different; we all have a different genetic makeup, so what might not cause cancer in a co-worker, may end differently for you. So, we need to protect ourselves. But how?

Depending on the trade you work in, the carcinogens you could be dealing with include but are not limited to, wood dust, silica, ionizing radiation, asbestos, diesel exhaust, PCB’s, solvents, solar radiation and formaldehyde. Each of these are different levels of carcinogens. Your employer will conduct hazard assessments to identify and control hazards on their worksites and they must inform you about potential hazards.  That being said, you have a responsibility to protect yourself.  Make sure you follow any applicable safe work practices and procedures, review safe work permits, follow site rules, etc…..and remember, your last line of defense will be your PPE.  Use it!

Unfortunately, cancer is not going to be avoidable for all of us even if we take all the precautions in the world.  But, lets make sure putting in a hard day’s work won’t come back to haunt us years from now.  We all need to take precautions to do the best we can to stick around for our families. Carcinogens are no joke.