Which carcinogen(s) are present?
The following (process-generated) carcinogens in your occupation could be a potential risk for your health.
Note: The CarcCheck is based on data collected for the EU. Therefore, uses of a substance might not be of equal relevance in all member states. The CarcCheck indicates were a carcinogen can potentially be involved or released; exposure potential will also vary in different sectors. Only the risk assessment will show whether this is the case in a real workplace or in a user situation.
Note: The CarcCheck is based on data collected for the EU. Therefore, uses of a substance might not be of equal relevance in all member states. The CarcCheck indicates were a carcinogen can potentially be involved or released; exposure potential will also vary in different sectors. Only the risk assessment will show whether this is the case in a real workplace or in a user situation.
The following (process-generated) carcinogens in your occupation could be a potential risk for your health.
Substitution is the first and top prevention measure to avoid exposure to carcinogens. The following substances or processes are considered safer alternatives for these carcinogens or represent less exposure potential.
Technical measures have to be used first, when substitution was not possible. The first technical measure of choice is the use of a closed, encapsulated system. Various possibilities and technical solutions are available that might be suitable to reduce exposure to as low as technically possible. These risk reduction measures vary in their effectiveness and need to be assessed for your working environment individually.
Furthermore, the following list provides you with general or technically targeted solutions provided by others within your occupation.
Limit values for carcinogens are one mean to assess the exposure situation and to assess whether minimum requirements are met, or further risk reduction strategies have to be applied. The links provided above can support assessment whether technical and organisational measures have been sufficiently exhausted to minimise exposure. Please be aware that you can also assess internal exposure by biomonitoring.
Independent whether there is an European limit value in place or not, it is mandatory to minimise exposure to carcinogens as low as technically achievable. Please refer to your national legislation how to comply with minimisations duties.
If you come to the conclusion that exposure is likely, there are multiple options to assess your exposure situation.
Descriptions by the occupational prevention organisation or insurances, in practice approved control guidance sheets, REACH exposure scenarios or exposure modelling are further and eligible sources that help assessing the exposure situation as well as by comparing workplace situations. This must be documented in the risk assessment. Finally, if these methods do not allow for a conclusive exposure assessment, exposure measurements with the help of your respective insurance organisation or an external company can be performed.
Furthermore, you might want to check exposure data sources compiled here.
You should be aware that personal protection equipment (PPE) should be used only after technical and organisational measures have been used to reduce exposure as much as possible.
Furthermore, there are strict rules for the use of PPE. For respiratory protection equipment (RPE), the filter class needs to fit the purpose, the size of the mask needs to fit the individual worker, maximal wearing time needs to be defined and workers need training for correctly equipping/un-equipping RPE.
For dermal protective equipment, adequate glove material and size needs to be assessed. Commonly, there are very rare situation when handling carcinogens, that PPE is not necessary to fulfil minimisation duties. When you decide to not use PPE, this has to be well-documented.
Furthermore, the following list provides you with solutions provided by others:
Ensuring the well-being of your employees is further guaranteed by certain duties laid down in the Carcinogens, Mutagens and Reprotoxicants Directive (CMRD). Additionally, other measures have a positive impact on workplace safety and workers health by boosting awareness of all involved actors.
The following list provides support for these important aspects. However, national requirements might deviate from the Directive and therefore, please consult with your national authorities about regulatory requirements for hazardous substances:
Your well-being is further guaranteed by certain duties of your employer laid down in the Carcinogens, Mutagens and Reprotoxicants Directive (CMRD). However, it is also important that you act according to i.e. workplace instructions.
Are you being exposed to carcinogens at work? Find it out here.
Learn about the risks, exposure limits and possible measures.
What do employers legally have to do? What are workers’ rights?
Prevention from cancer-causing agents is key! What can you do?
Use our knowledge base to find measures and good practices to reduce or eliminate exposure.
Learn about inspection cases that demonstrate risk assessment and control measures.
This website is an initiative from the Roadmap on Carcinogens.
We invite a network of professionals to join us: labour inspectorates, educational institutions, trainers and experts.
Read about developments and activities to tackle work-related cancer.