Comparing exposure data across sources

The project maps and analyses EU and national databases on exposure to cancer risk factors.

A core element is the follow-up to the WES, which focuses on 24 cancer risk factors. This study compares WES data with existing national data from Germany, France, Finland and Spain. The objective is to assess the coverage, accessibility, and quality of information, and to examine the differences and similarities between WES data and other data sources.

Another element is a comparative and statistical analysis of available data on exposure to cancer risk factors, extending the scope to other risk factors and countries not covered by the WES survey.

Understanding EU Member States practices for the recognition of occupational cancer

Another key component is to understand the different practices in EU Member States and EFTA countries for the recognition of occupational cancer. This work gathers the types of cancers registered on national lists, sets out complementary and other systems of recognition of occupational diseases, describes the different conditions and information required to demonstrate a worker has been exposed to a carcinogen agent, and analyses the actors involved in occupational cancer recognition. It also identifies gaps, needs and good practices that can help to link the exposure with the cancer across the EU.

Some insights are already available from Eurostat’s European occupational diseases statistics, including occupational cancers.

Combined exposure to carcinogenic substances

The project addresses combined exposure to carcinogenic, mutagenic and reprotoxic (CMR) substances. In cooperation with the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA), this strand aims to collect information on exposure concentrations, identify sectors and occupations with a higher prevalence of combined exposures, and develop guidance for workplaces.

Chemical substitution and the ‘as low as technically possible’ principle

A further research element aims at creating awareness and facilitating substitution and technical methods for lowering exposures to ‘as low as technically possible’ and complying with new EU-agreed occupational exposure limits (OELs). The work explores barriers and challenges to substitution and identifies sectoral initiatives and good practices.

Work-related cancer: a major occupational health challenge in Europe

Exposure to cancer risk factors at work is common. Findings from EU-OSHA’s Workers’ Exposure Survey indicate that nearly half of European workers have probably been exposed to at least one cancer risk factor during their last working week, including high-level and multiple exposures for certain activities.

While chemical agents remain the main cause of work-related cancer, they are not the only ones. Physical and organisational risk factors also play an important role. These include solar ultraviolet radiation, night work, and other factors linked to work organisation and working conditions. There is growing scientific interest in the potential cancer-related effects of endocrine disruptors (such as certain pesticides) and certain nanomaterials, for example Multi-Wall Carbon Nanotubes-7 (MWCNT-7).

EU action to prevent work-related cancer

In response to the scale of the problem, the European Union has taken action to better protect workers. Preventing exposure at source, improving risk management at the workplace, and raising awareness remain essential to protecting workers and reducing the burden of work-related cancer across Europe. Prevention of work-related cancer is a key objective of the EU Strategic Framework on Health and Safety at Work 2021–2027 and Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan.

A central legislative instrument is the Carcinogens, Mutagens and Reprotoxic substances Directive (CMRD). This Directive has been revised several times to reflect the latest scientific evidence. These measures are expected to significantly reduce future cases of work-related cancer and other serious health effects.