It is important to teach children and students about cancer-causing substances at an early age, already in primary school and in vocational education. For this reason, educational programs were developed.
Template lessons on carcinogens
The lesson plans on carcinogens were prepared by the National Education Institute Slovenia and the Ministry of Labour, Family, Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities of Slovenia. They are based on Slovenian laws and experience and were tested in several primary schools in Slovenia between 2023 and 2024. EU Member States can translate and adapt these lesson plans to meet their own needs. Teachers can also use the interactive game (see below) in lessons for secondary school students.
During these classes, students learn:
- how to recognise pictograms for hazardous substances
- how to choose suitable methods to protect themselves from hazardous substances and how to handle these substances safely
- about the long-term effects of CMR substances and how to prevent them
- about the safety data sheet, which works like an “identity card” for hazardous substances
- about occupational cancer, what factors can cause it, and what measures can reduce exposure to potentially cancer-causing substances
Lesson Proposal on Carcinogens for Students Aged 11 years to 14 years
Lesson Proposal on Carcinogens for Students Aged 14 years (minimum) and over
Interactive game
To help students understand how to manage the risks of carcinogens in the workplace, an interactive game has been created.
In the game, you play as a prevention advisor. You must identify unsafe situations involving cancer-causing substances in different workplaces (a construction site, a hospital, and a factory) and give advice to the employer. One key learning point is the STOP-principle. This principle shows the order of steps to prevent exposure to dangerous substances.
To help teachers include the game in their lessons, an educational information package is available. It explains several concepts that also appear in the game.
The game is available in English, Dutch and French.
