Workplace risks
People working in some jobs such as agriculture, forestry, fishing, construction, painting, manufacturing, mining and some service jobs may have a higher risk of lung cancer.
Luckily, in the UK, there are strict labour laws that limit exposure to harmful chemicals and other hazards at work, Cancer Research UK points out.
The site reads: “Employers have a legal duty to protect the health and safety of their employees
“However, certain types of work can carry a slightly higher risk, depending on what workers are exposed to.
“For example, working with asbestos, diesel engine exhaust, silica, pesticides and herbicides and working in the sun can all increase the risk of cancer.”
Most lung cancer cases caused by the workplace environment will have been due to exposures from a long time ago, as health and safety rules today are much safer.
The Cancer Research UK advice explains: “Hazards at work are much less of a problem in the UK now because the most dangerous chemicals are banned or can only be used in small amounts.
“UK law means that employers have to prevent or reduce exposure to anything that is known to cause cancer.”
If you think the conditions you’re working in are unsafe, speak to your employer.