Prevention of work-related cancers.

Abstract

Work-related cancers are highly preventable. The primary responsibility for prevention rests not with the workers who are affected by cancers, but with the manufacturers and distributors of carcinogenic substances and the companies who use them. U.S. public policies of strict product liability and the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 address the issue of responsibility. Workers, health care providers, and others also have important roles that complement employers' preventive efforts. The range of prevention strategies available includes ones that should be applied to prevent potentially carcinogenic substances from being marketed and distributed; others that apply in the workplace ..