Association of 13 Occupational Carcinogens in Patients With Cancer, Individually and Collectively, 1990-2017

Key Points Question What is the present degree of exposure to occupational carcinogens, and are occupational carcinogens related to cancer burden over time? Findings This cross-sectional study including data on 195 countries indicated that the exposure levels for 12 of the 13 occupational carcinogens included in this study increased from 1990 to 2017; only exposure to asbestos decreased. In 2017, all occupational carcinogens combined were associated with 319 000 cancer deaths and 6.42 million disability-adjusted life years, with asbestos, silica, and diesel engine exhaust contributing the highest levels; China, the US, and Japan accounted for the largest number of attributable cancer deaths. Meaning Study findings suggest that increased efforts are needed in prevention of exposure to occupational carcinogens, especially further establishment of control frameworks.