Health and Safety Executive focusing on cancer agents
The HSE is focusing on cancer issues in construction. There are several chemicals used in the construction industry that can be a huge factor of health and safety. The HSE wants companies to focus on these to reduce the number of cancer patients due to health and safety breaches with things such as asbestos and paint. Top cancer agents include asbestos, which has been considered the biggest issue with cancer in the construction industry. Even though the exposure is a lower risk now that most asbestos has been removed and it is no longer produced, there are still many from businesses and homes from earlier eras that have not been renovated. It means there is a chance a refurbishment project can have workers encounter this unhealthy agent. RCS or Respirable Crystalline Silica offers a high chance of lung cancer if exposure occurs. Construction is key in this exposure since the industry works with RCS frequently. When working with RCS it is important to use facemasks so as not to breathe it in.
Painters have also been exposed to cancer agents such as solvents, additives, and pigments. Paints are less deadly than before when there was lead in the paint, but that does not mean one should be exposed to it without proper masks and safety gear. Diesel engine exhaust for drivers is another huge issue of cancer according to the safety and health studies conducted by the HSE and other regulators. Businesses must ensure they follow proper protocol and duty of care to avoid these dangerous agents.
