The mining industry is exposed to high levels of carcinogens. Extracting coal buried deep into the Earth’s surface, coal miners blast rocks using explosives. As standard as this method is to the mining industry, it leaves hundreds of miners exposed to dangerous carcinogens.
What Are Carcinogens & How Are They Bad For Our Health?
A carcinogen is typically known as any substance that has the ability to cause cancer. Unlike chemicals that begin to show signs of a deteriorating health right away, carcinogens have effects that can take years and years to develop; without any early warning signs. Taking this into account, it is possible for a miner to be diagnosed with cancer even years after the exposure has stopped.
A
study published on the National Center for Biotechnology Information notes that cancer is the leading of deaths in the United States. One in every four American deaths is closely linked to cancer and an increased risk of cancer is tied to occupational exposure. This makes it important for different industries to take the health and safety of their workers more seriously than ever.
While the
American Cancer Society continues to argue that most occupations within the United States do not contribute much to the development of cancer amongst individuals, industries such as mining expose workers to a range of carcinogens. These can be hazardous to workers’ health and result in the development of cancer if they remain exposed over an extended period of time.
Does Exposure To Any Known Carcinogen Result in Cancer?
Any substance deemed as a carcinogen can promote cancer in individuals. However, there are several other factors, such as the following, that influence the development of cancer through exposure to carcinogens.
- The amount of exposure
- The genetic background of the individual
- The environment in which the carcinogen may be present
All of these factors greatly influence the impact of a carcinogen on an individual’s health and safety at work.
Cancer Sites & Different Carcinogens
While it has already been established that carcinogens are extremely hazardous and can adversely affect the health of an individual, it is important to note that different carcinogens promote the development of different forms of cancer.
The following is a list of different cancers and how they are associated with a certain type of carcinogen:
Most Popular Types Of Cancer Caused By Exposure To Carcinogens:
Breast
Carcinogens commonly associated with this condition: Polychorinated biphenyls, Ethylene oxide, Ionizing radiation, etc.
Kidney
Carcinogens commonly associated with this condition include, arsenic and inorganic arsenic compounds, Cadmium and cadmium compounds, Perfluorooctanoic acid & Trichloroethylene.
Bladder (urinary cancer)
Carcinogens commonly associated with this condition: Aromatic amines, Benzidine and benzidine-based dyes, Ortho-Toluidine, Diesel engine exhaust, Arsenic and inorganic arsenic compounds etc.
Liver and bile duct
Carcinogens commonly associated with this condition: Arsenic and inorganic arsenic compounds; 1,2-Dichloropropane, Methylene chloride & Ionizing radiation.
Lung
Carcinogens commonly associated with this condition: Arsenic and arsenic compounds, Asbestos, Benzo[a]pyrene, Beryllium, 1,3-Butadiene, Cadmium, cadmium compound, Chromium (hexavalent) compounds, etc.
Ovary
Carcinogens commonly associated with this condition: Asbestos, Ionizing radiation.
Prostate
Carcinogens commonly associated with this condition: Arsenic and inorganic arsenic compounds; Cadmium and cadmium compounds.
Skin
Carcinogens commonly associated with this condition: Arsenic and inorganic arsenic compounds, Coal tar distillation, Creosotes & Mineral oils (untreated and mildly treated).
Other Types of Cancer:
Bone
Carcinogens commonly associated with this condition: Ionizing radiation.
Brain and Central Nervous System (CNS)
Carcinogens commonly associated with this condition: Ionizing radiation.
Colon and rectum
Carcinogens commonly associated with this condition: Asbestos, Ionizing radiation etc.
Esophagus
Carcinogens commonly associated with this condition: Ionizing radiation
Larynx
Carcinogens commonly associated with this condition: Acid mists, strong inorganic & Asbestos
Leukemia and/or lymphoma
Carcinogens commonly associated with this condition: Benzene, 1,3-Butadiene, Diazinon, Formaldehyde, Ethylene oxide, Lindane, Ionizing radiation, Malathion, Methylene chloride, Styrene & Trichloroethylene.
Mesothelioma
Carcinogens commonly associated with this condition: Asbestos &Talc containing asbestiform fibers.
Nasal cavities and paranasal sinuses
Carcinogens commonly associated with this condition: Chromium (hexavalent) compounds, Formaldehyde, Selected nickel compounds including combinations of nickel oxides and sulfides in the nickel refining industry & Wood dust.
Nasopharynx
Carcinogens commonly associated with this condition: Formaldehyde & Wood dust.
Stomach
Carcinogens commonly associated with this condition: Asbestos, Lead compounds, & Ionizing radiation.
In essence, exposure to different kinds of carcinogens is associated with a certain type of cancer. Considering that workers are exposed to high levels of
hazards in the mine, employers should pay attention to their health. They should seek help from
MSHA New Miner Training programs that focus on ways to offer a safe and healthy workplace for all employees.
