Chemical and biological work-related risks across occupations in Europe: a review.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Work-related health inequalities are determined to some extent by an unequal exposure to chemical and biological risk factors of disease. Although their potential economic burden in the European Union (EU-25) might be substantial, comprehensive reviews focusing on the distribution of these risks across occupational groups are limited. Thus, the main objective of this review is to provide a synopsis of the exposure to chemical and biological hazards across occupational groups. In addition, main industrial applications of hazardous substances are identified and some epidemiological evidence is discussed regarding societal costs and incidence rates of work-related diseases.

Methods

Available lists of carcinogens, sensitisers, mutagens, reprotoxic substances and biolo

SUBMITTER: Montano D 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4113130 | biostudies-literature | 2014

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature