Developing national CAREX projects in Latin America & the Caribbean : technical guide (annex) to the workshop proceedings “Building Capacity for CAREX Projects in Latin America and the Caribbean (Bogota, Colombia, May 2014)”

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the Americas. These illnesses are responsible for substantial health and economic burdens; in the year 2012, non-communicable diseases accounted for approximately 73% of disability-adjusted life-years from all causes (1). Between 2006 and 2015 in Brazil alone, the cost of treatment and lost productivity due to five chronic diseases was an estimated $72 billion (2). Of the chronic health conditions that are prevalent in the Americas, cancer is among the leading causes of morbidity and mortality. Workplace exposures to known carcinogens are a cause of cancer, among other known and potential risk factors..

Estimated prevalence of exposure to occupational carcinogens in Australia (2011-2012)

Background and objectives: Although past studies of workplace exposures have contributed greatly to our understanding of carcinogens, significant knowledge gaps still exist with regard to the actual extent of exposure among current workers, with no routinely collected population-based data being available in most countries. This study, the Australian Work Exposures Study (AWES), aimed to investigate the current prevalence of occupational exposure to carcinogens. Methods: A random sample of men and women aged between 18 and 65, who were currently in paid employment, were invited to participate in a telephone interview collecting information about their current job and various demographic factors. Interviews were conducted using a web-based application (OccIDEAS). OccIDEAS uses the expert exposure method in which participants are asked about their job tasks and predefined algorithms are used to automatically assign exposures. Responses were obtained from 5023 eligible Australian residents, resulting in an overall response rate of 53%. Results: 1879 respondents (37.6%) were assessed as being exposed to at least one occupational carcinogen in their current job. Extrapolation of these figures to the Australian working population suggested 3.6 million (40.3%) current workers could be exposed to carcinogens in their workplace. Exposure prevalence was highest among farmers, drivers, miners and transport workers, as well as men and those residing in regional areas. Conclusions: This study demonstrates a practical, web-based approach to collecting population information on occupational exposure to carcinogens and documents the high prevalence of current exposure to occupational carcinogens in the general population