| Description | Circumstances of exposure | Tumour sites (or types) for which there is sufficient evidence of carcinogenicity in humans |
|---|---|---|
| Group of naturally occurring fibrous minerals with current or historical commercial usefulness due to their physical and chemical properties. Asbestos is used for insulation in buildings and as a component in a number of products, such as roofing shingles, water supply lines, fire blankets, and plastic fillers, as well as clutches and brake linings, gaskets, and pads for automobiles. The principal forms of asbestos are chrysotile (white asbestos) and crocidolite (blue asbestos). Other forms are amosite, anthophyllite, tremolite, and actinolite. |
Exposure to asbestos occurs through inhalation of fibres:
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- How relevant are chemical cancer-causing substances in the workplace and in the general environment?
- Which are the most important chemical substances in the environment that may cause cancer, and which cancers do they cause?
- Is there adequate control of cancer-causing chemical substances in the environment? Am I adequately protected?
- Is there any “safe dose” of exposure to cancer-causing chemical substances?
- What actions can I take to protect myself and my family?
- I have heard about other chemical substances, such as those present in some plastics that may cause cancer. Should I be concerned?
- Should I be concerned if I live in or close to an industrial area?
- In which occupations is there an increased cancer risk, and which are the most important types of cancers?
- Do chemical substances in the workplace interact with one another or with lifestyle factors?
- How do I know whether my cancer is caused by chemical substances in the workplace?
- Is there adequate control of workplace cancer-causing substances, and what actions can I take to protect myself and my family?
- Is it possible to implement cancer prevention and health promotion measures in the workplace?
- Does stress at work cause cancer?