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Find facts for each carcinogen.

Be aware of what you work with! We collected all the important information about over 30 cancer causing substances and compiled them in easy-to-understand factsheets.

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1,3-Butadiene
According to the latest estimates, 27,600 workers in the EU are potentially exposed to 1,3-Butadiene (1,3-BD). Data from 1990-1993 indicated that approximately 31,600 workers were exposed. The exposure occurs mainly through inhalation. 1,3-BD has a...
EC nº 203-448-7

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1,4-Dioxane
It is estimated that up to 30,000 workers are exposed to 1,4-dioxane in the EU. Typical workplaces, where 1,4-dioxane is used, are in the rubber and chemical industry. It can also occur as a by-product...
EC nº 204-661-8

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4,4-Methylene-bis (2-chloroanilinie) (MOCA)
Estimates from 2017 assumed that 2,500 workers were potentially exposed to MOCA (methylene-bis-[2-chloroaniline]) across the EU. Since the authorisation duties for the substance under the REACH regulation have changed, it can be assumed that uses...
EC nº 202-918-9

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4,4′-Methylenedianiline (MDA)

This factsheet is under development. Only limited information is available.

EC nº 202-974-4

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Abrasion (process)
Generation of process generated carcinogens upon abrasion Most hazardous substances are labelled and identified, but there are also carcinogens created as a by-product during a work process, so called process-generated carcinogens (PGCs). As PGCs are...

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Acrylamide
About 54,000 workers in the EU are estimated to be potentially exposed to acrylamide. The occupational exposure to acrylamide is primarily from dermal contact with the solid monomer and inhalation of dust and vapor during...
EC nº 201-173-7

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Acrylonitrile
Approximatively 10,000 to 33,000 workers in the EU are exposed to acrylonitrile at their workplaces. Inhalation is considered as the primary route of exposure although workers can be exposed through dermal contact as well as...
EC nº 203-466-5

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Arsenic compounds

This factsheet is under development. Only limited information is available.

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Asbestos
Currently, between 4.1 and 7.3 million workers in the EU are exposed to asbestos and it is estimated that asbestos is the cause of death for over 90,000 people each year. Asbestos is classified as...

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Azodyes
Estimates of current numbers of exposed workers to azo dyes, which can break down in aromatic amines, in the EU are not available. Occupational exposure to azo dyes may occur, where azo dyes are produced...

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Benzene
Approximatively 1,000,000 workers in the EU are exposed to benzene in industries that make or use benzene. Benzene is classified as Carcinogenic Category 1A, which means it is a proven cause of cancer in humans....
EC nº 200-753-7

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Beryllium compounds
According to the most recent estimates, about 20,000 workers in the EU are potentially exposed to beryllium. Beryllium has a harmonised classification under the CLP regulation as Carcinogenic Category 1B, which means it probably causes...
EC nº 231-150-7

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Bromoethylene

This factsheet is under development. Only limited information is available.

EC nº 209-800-6

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Cadmium compounds
In the EU, 10,000 workers are estimated to be potentially exposed to cadmium and its compounds. Exposure to hazardous levels of cadmium may occur in jobs in which workers are exposed to cadmium dusts or...
EC nº 231-152-8

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Chromium VI compounds
It is estimated that about 900,000 workers in the EU are potentially exposed to chromium VI. Studies of workers in chromate production, chromate pigment and chrome electroplating industries employed before the 1980s show increased rates...
EC nº 215-607-8

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Cobalt compounds
In the European Union, approximately 80,000 workers are potentially exposed to cobalt and cobalt compounds. The primary work-related exposure route to cobalt is the inhalation of cobalt particles. The exposure to cobalt has been associated...
EC nº 231-158-0

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Combustion (process)
Emission of process generated carcinogens from combustion Most hazardous substances are labelled and identified, but there are also carcinogens created as a by-product during a work process, so called process-generated carcinogens (PGCs). As PGCs are...

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Dichloromethane

This factsheet is under development. Only limited information is available.

EC nº 200-838-9

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Diesel engine exhaust (DEE)
It is estimated that more than 3.6 million workers in Europe are exposed to diesel engine exhaust (DEE). Diesel exhaust fumes are classified as Group 1 carcinogen by the IARC, meaning they are seen as...

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Epichlorohydrine
The latest estimated number of exposed workers in the EU to Epichlorohydrine (1-chloro-2,3-epoxypropane) from 2011 is about 44,000. Inhalation is considered as the primary route of exposure but workers might also be exposed through dermal...
EC nº 203-439-8

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