Thirty-eight known or possible carcinogens, drawn from the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) or from Quebec regulations, were assessed using the Canadian CAREX exposure databases. More than 6 per cent of workers were exposed to solar radiation, 6 per cent to night shift work of some sort, more than 4 per cent to diesel, and approximately 3 per cent to wood dust and 2 per cent to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. The authors conclude: “Although crude, estimates obtained with different data sources allow identification of research and intervention priorities for cancer in Quebec.” Note: Quebec was until the recent closure of its last asbestos mine, the home of Canada’s asbestos industry and the seat of the global asbestos campaign.

France Labreche, Patrick Duguay, Claude Ostiguy and others. Estimating occupational exposure to carcinogens in Quebec, American Journal of Industrial Medicine, volume 56.9, pages 1040-1050, September 2013. Carex Canada.