Cancer
Cancer is a term that includes many different diseases. In all forms of cancer there is an abnormal growth of cells. These cells may form a growth called a tumor. The tumor can stay in one place or spread (metastasize) to other parts of the body.
Does cancer always kill?
Cancer is not always fatal. There are effective treatments for some types of cancer. This usually depends on finding and treating the cancer early.
Can you get cancer because of your job?
You can develop cancer if you are exposed to a substance at work that causes cancer, often after a period of very low exposures. A carcinogen is something that causes cancer. The chart below lists different types of cancers and their causes.
Is there such a thing as a “safe” amount of exposure to an agent that causes cancer?
The chance of getting cancer usually increases with exposure to a carcinogen. However, there is no amount of exposure to a carcinogen that is known to be completely safe.
| Cancer Risks at Work | ||
| Type of Cancer |
Causes | AFSCME Members Who May Be Exposed |
| Lung cancer | asbestos | building construction and maintenance mechanics |
| Breast | ionizing radiation (e.g., X-rays) |
health care workers |
| Skin | cutting oils, sunlight |
road crews and others who work outside |
| Blood (leukemia) | benzene | road paving |
| Liver | hepatitis B | health care and corrections workers |
| methylene chloride | parts cleaners, pesticide applicators |
|
| Stomach and other digestive organs |
asbestos | building construction and maintenance, mechanics |
| Nasal | wood dusts | carpenters |
| Throat (larynx) | asbestos | building construction and maintenance, mechanics |
Reproductive hazards
Reproductive hazards result from chemicals, radiation or other agents that can affect a worker’s ability to have children. Reproductive hazards do not just affect women. Men can become infertile if they are exposed to agents that can destroy sperm, sex drive and the ability to have an erection (impotence).
Exposure to certain agents can cause two other effects on reproduction in either men or women. A teratogen is something that damages an embryo. Teratogens can cause miscarriage or birth defects. A mutagen changes sperm or egg cells and causes sterility or birth defects.
| Reproductive Hazards on the Job | ||||
| Hazard | Effects | AFSCME Members Who May Be Exposed |
||
| Men | Women | Fetus | ||
| Lead | impotence | menstrual problems, infertility, stillbirth, spontaneous abortion |
damage to nervous system |
workers exposed to lead-based paints (bridges, buildings, signs), firing ranges, batteries |
| Ethylene oxide |
infertility, birth defects |
infertility, birth defects, spontaneous abortion |
health care workers | |
| X-rays | sperm production |
damages eggs | birth defects | health care and laboratory workers |
| Rubella (German Measles) |
birth defects | health care and day care workers |
||
Sensitization
Some workers may become very allergic or sensitive to some agents they work with. Sensitization can develop over time. You may work for years without any health effects, and then suddenly develop a severe, sometimes life-threatening reaction to even very small exposures that do not hurt other people. Some people become so allergic that they cannot do their jobs unless the sensitizers are eliminated.
Examples of sensitized reactions include health care and other workers who can develop a serious allergic reaction to latex that is used in gloves and other products. Another sensitizer is formaldehyde — a chemical frequently used in health care facilities and labs. Formaldehyde is also given off by many common office products. Synthetic fibers in rugs and furniture, and urea foam insulation can give off small amounts of formaldehyde.
