A major new survey from the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work (EU-OSHA) has found that 29.5% of health and social care workers across the continent are exposed to at least one known carcinogen during their working week. The findings, drawn from telephone interviews with 24,402 workers in Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, and Spain between 2022 and 2023, underscore a persistent blind spot in occupational safety.
Cancer remains the leading cause of work-related death in the European Union, claiming 100,000 lives each year. The health and social care sector—employing 11% of the total EU workforce, or more than 21.6 million people—has historically received less scrutiny than industries like manufacturing or construction when it comes to carcinogen exposure.
Key Carcinogens in Healthcare Settings
The survey assessed exposure to 24 known cancer risk factors relevant to the EU working context, including industrial chemicals, physical agents, and process-generated substances. Among health and social care workers, the most common exposures were to ionising radiation (7.4%), diesel engine exhaust emissions (6.2%), solar ultraviolet radiation (6.1%), formaldehyde (5.2%), and benzene (4.8%).
Formaldehyde and ethylene oxide—both used extensively for disinfection and sterilisation in hospitals and clinics—were the substances most frequently encountered at high levels. Workers in gross anatomy laboratories faced particular risks from formaldehyde, while dental technicians making crowns, false teeth, or bridges were exposed to respirable crystalline silica (RCS).
“Despite their relevance, risks associated with exposure to carcinogens in the health and social care sector have historically been less visible than in other economic sectors,” said Michelle Turner, senior author of the study at the Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal). “This study highlights the need to develop prevention strategies adapted to real working conditions in this field.”
The survey also identified specific high-risk job roles. Diesel vehicle drivers and mechanics were most exposed to diesel engine exhaust emissions (DEE), while workers operating X-ray machines and handling radioisotopes faced elevated ionising radiation levels—which, without proper protections, can cause cell damage.
Across all sectors surveyed, 47.3% of workers reported exposure to at least one cancer risk factor in the last working week. The European Code Against Cancer notes that workplace exposure is a key priority for prevention, as it concentrates large groups of people exposed to high concentrations of hazardous substances over extended periods.
The findings come as Europe grapples with broader health challenges. A separate study recently found that younger Britons show worsening health compared to previous generations, highlighting the need for comprehensive public health strategies that include occupational safety.
For the health and social care sector, the EU-OSHA survey points to clear opportunities for targeted interventions: improved ventilation, substitution of hazardous chemicals, better personal protective equipment, and enhanced training. As the sector continues to grow—driven by ageing populations across the EU—addressing these risks will be essential to protecting the millions of workers who care for Europe’s most vulnerable.
