For centuries, people have known that some jobs come with risks that can lead to chronic illnesses. Surprisingly, the job you love might be making you sick.
Despite many efforts by companies to create safer work environments, certain jobs still pose health risks. This is often due to exposure to various toxins or harmful substances. The National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) reports that exposure to carcinogens at work is a significant cause of 3-6% of all cancers. The most common types of occupational cancers are lung cancer, bladder cancer, and mesothelioma. If you’re considering a new job or are currently working, it’s important to be aware of these risks for your health.
Construction workers are at higher risk for cancer compared to other industries. They are often exposed to wood dust, silica, cement, insulation, and drywall products. However, asbestos is the most dangerous culprit. Long-term exposure to asbestos can result in mesothelioma and lung cancer, and it has been a leading cause of death among construction workers. Additionally, these workers are exposed to harmful chemicals and fumes from solvents, acids, cleaners, paints, flammable materials, and gasoline, which can lead to breathing issues.
Working in the plastic manufacturing industry is particularly hazardous. Workers are exposed to substances like vinyl chloride, trichloroethylene, cadmium, and arsenic. Women in these jobs face disrupted hormones and a higher risk of breast cancer. Additionally, those in factories making rubber products face increased chances of lymphatic, stomach, bladder, and blood cancers.
Miners face significant health challenges due to their work conditions. Those in uranium or iron mining are exposed to radiation, leading to lung cancer. Coal miners inhale coal dust, which causes various stomach diseases and respiratory problems from diesel exhaust. Prolonged exposure to diesel fumes increases the risk of lung cancer. Therefore, it’s crucial to understand the work environment before entering this field.
Being in the airline industry might seem glamorous, but it has its dangers. Flight attendants and pilots have double the risk of melanoma, a deadly skin cancer, due to ionizing radiation at high altitudes. UV radiation intensifies by 15% at these altitudes, leading to cancers of the stomach, cervix, breast, colon, pancreas, and thyroid. Female flight attendants have a 50% higher risk of developing breast cancer.
Welders are exposed to harmful fumes created by heating metal. These fumes contain fine particles of carcinogens like fluorides, metallic oxides, and silicate. Welders also face risks from asbestos and radiation, leading to melanoma, kidney, and lung cancer. Eye issues such as ocular melanoma and burns are common. Despite global efforts to reduce exposure to these hazards, welders still face significant health risks after years of exposure.
Before starting any of these jobs, ensure that the necessary health safety measures are in place. If you’re already in such a job, regular checkups with your doctor are recommended to monitor your health.