Carcinogens and mutagens

Cancer-causing substances (carcinogens) in the workplace can be eliminated by changing processes, substituting for other substances or, where that is not possible, ensuring that levels are reduced as far as possible and workers are fully protected from any contact with a cancer-causing agent.

Examples of where a cancer-causing agent cannot be removed, but exposure of a worker to any risk can be removed, are radiographers and radiation, and quarry workers and silica.

Employers should only use a carcinogen if there is no reasonable alternative. They are required to remove or reduce exposure “as far as is reasonably practical”.

With regard to new substances, trade unions support the “precautionary principle” which means that if there is a reasonable possibility that a substance may cause harm, there should be a presumption that it will do so, and therefore it should be controlled. They have also called for an enforcement-led campaign by the HSE and local authorities, aimed at ensuring that employers who continue to expose their workers to carcinogens are prosecuted. Exposure to a WEL (see page 126) is not acceptable when removal or substitution is an option.