US EPA

1390862 

Technical Report 

Skin Cancer, Occupational 

Crombie, IK; Waterhouse, JAH 

1983 

NIOSH/00149380 

2 

2052-2054 

The effects of occupation upon the occurrence of skin cancers are discussed. Exposure to ultraviolet light can be a hazard for various groups of outdoor workers and in particular those with pale complexions and red or fair hair, and those of Celtic or Scandinavian descent. Squamous cell and basal cell carcinomas are observed. Occupational skin cancers are related to compounds derived from fossil fuels, coal, crude oil, and shale oil. These substances are mixtures, and it is generally believed that the 3, 4, or 5 ring polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons play an important carcinogenic role. Carcinogenic hazards are also associated with a wide range of substances obtained from coal, including tar, pitch, bitumen, anthracene oil, and creosote oil. Scrotal and other skin cancer are also associated with mineral oil. Skin cancer resulting from occupational exposure to arsenic is not common, requiring the ingestion of large amounts over considerable periods of time. Squamous cell and basal cell carcinomas are the result of careless practices in the handling of X-rays and radioactive elements. Safety measures applied to these two areas have eliminated the risk of skin cancer. Protective clothing and preventive measures are discussed. Personal hygiene is stressed. The clinical features of basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas are noted. Diagnosis and treatment of the cancers are described. The authors conclude that through preventative measures and clinical screening the occupational risks of skin cancer can be reduced. 

DCN-136000; Medical research; Occupational medicine; Occupational diseases; Industrial medicine; Coal products; Petroleum products; Industrial chemicals; Lubricating oils; Medical screening; Safety measures; Protective measures