Cancer and Reproductive Risks Among Chemists and Laboratory Workers: A Review

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Abstract
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration estimates that approximately one million persons work in 74,000 United States laboratories. Personnel who work in biomedical and chemical laboratories have potential exposures to numerous occupational hazards. Available epidemiologic data suggest that chemists and other laboratory workers are at increased mortality risk for certain cancers such as malignant lymphoma, leukemia, and cancers of the gastrointestinal tract. In addition, data suggest an association between laboratory work and adverse pregnancy outcome. Occupational health surveillance of laboratory workers requires a comprehensive approach, addressing all major organ systems, due to mixed exposures experienced by laboratory workers and the constantly changing work environment. Control strategies for laboratory exposures must rely heavily on the use of engineering controls such as local exhaust ventilation, good work practices, and appropriate personal protective equipment.