Mesothelioma

The best way to minimize cancers among workers, according to WHO, is to reduce carcinogens in the workplace.

Asbestos (a fibrous silicate mineral) and benzene (a toxic colorless liquid produced from petroleum) should be eliminated.

Other safer materials are available to replace them.

Tobacco should also be banned from the workplace.

Something as simple as protective clothing can help minimize skin cancer in workers working outside in the Sun.

One out of every ten deaths from lung cancer has been associated with workplaces.

For asbestos exposure alone, at least 90,000 deaths occur annually, with about 125 million people exposed while at work.

Benzene kills thousands of workers each year in industries using and producing dyes, drugs, pesticides, and rubbers.

The chemical and diamond industries have especially large percentages of employee deaths due to benzene poisoning as compared to other industries.

Dr.

Maria Neira, WHO Director of Public Health and Environment, recently said, "The tragedy of occupational cancer resulting from asbestos, benzene and other carcinogens is that it takes so long for science to be translated...

Read more...