Occupational carbon monoxide poisoning

Epidemiology of occupational cancer

According to large-scale studies conducted by R. Doll and R. Peto in 1981, exposure to occupational carcinogens makes a significant contribution to overall morbidity. From 4 to 38% of all detected human tumors are specifically due to occupational environment factors.

Occupational cancer is historically the most thoroughly studied area in oncological hygiene. This has been facilitated by a number of objective reasons:

• Exposure intensity: production facilities often feature a potent carcinogenic factor capable of initiating tumor development within a relatively short timeframe.
• Clear cohort: the presence of a strictly defined group of exposed individuals gives researchers a unique opportunity to conduct both retrospective and prospective epidemiological observations.
• Localized prevention: identifying a specific source of danger allows for the implementation of targeted protective measures—within a single workshop or specific technological process, completely eliminating or minimizing the harmful impact.

Sanitary and epidemiological situation in the Russian Federation

The current situation in the field of occupational safety in the Russian Federation is characterized by a number of prominent problems, especially in the small and medium-sized business sector. A huge number of gross violations of current sanitary legislation affecting occupational safety, as well as the prevention of occupational diseases and oncopathology, are regularly identified.

Often, new enterprises begin their economic activities without obtaining the appropriate conclusions from the sanitary service confirming their compliance with hygienic requirements. Statistics show that the largest number of workers forced to work in hazardous and dangerous conditions is recorded at enterprises of non-state forms of ownership.

Regulated chemical carcinogens

A wide range of substances with proven oncogenic activity is found in the work environment. The most common regulated chemical carcinogens include:

1. Benz(a)pyrene and other polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs).
2. Formaldehyde and benzene.
3. Soot and N-nitrosamines.
4. Crystalline silica.
5. Asbestos.
6. Mineral oils (including petroleum and shale fractions).
7. Heavy metal aerosols (nickel and chromium).
8. Beryllium and arsenic compounds.

Risk groups and sanitary control

According to regulatory document GN 1.1.725-98, a number of industries representing an increased risk for workers have been identified. This group includes motor transport enterprises, rubber and rubber products manufacturing plants, metallurgical complexes (steel, pig iron, copper smelting), welding production, as well as enterprises specializing in the production of reinforced concrete structures.

The main tool of sanitary control is sanitary and hygienic certification. This is a mandatory requirement for absolutely all enterprises whose technological process involves the use of carcinogenic chemical substances. At the international level, the coordination of efforts to protect workers is handled by the International Labour Organization (ILO), which develops specialized Conventions and Recommendations on occupational safety.

Class and exam questions

What else to study on this topic

• Mechanisms of carcinogenic action of benz(a)pyrene and PAHs
• Pathogenesis of tumor development upon contact with asbestos and crystalline silica
• Procedure for conducting sanitary and hygienic certification of an enterprise
• ILO conventions and recommendations in the field of protection against carcinogens
• Features of oncological-hygienic control in metallurgy and welding production

Other topics in "Chapter 6. Fundamentals of Occupational Hygiene and Physiology"

Prepared by WhiteCoat Pro faculty in accordance with the medical school curriculum. For educational purposes only.