BUILDHEALTH
“Talking more openly about how people can reduce their risk of cancer and spotting cancer early could help save thousands of lives.”
BUILDHEALTH NI GETS THE CONVERSATION GOING ON IMPORTANT HEALTH ISSUES IN THE CONSTRUCTION SECTOR… Lets talk about: Cancer
I t’s important to talk about Cancer. Talking more openly about how people can reduce their risk of cancer and spotting cancer early could help save thousands of lives. The four more common types of cancer include: lung, skin, bone, organ and prostrate and the main sources of carcinogens and occupational cancers on construction sites are asbestos, dusts (silica and wood), diesel fumes, solar radiation and certain paints. Silica is a natural substance found in most rocks, sand and clay and in products such as bricks and concrete. In the workplace these materials create dust when they are cut, sanded, carved etc. Some of this dust may be fine enough to breathe deeply into the lungs and cause harm to health. The fine dust is called respirable crystalline silica (RCS) and is too fine to see with normal lighting. Cutting concrete, cutting blocks, and kerbs, scabbling/grinding, drilling, sawing, abrasive blasting, dry/wet coring, sanding
wood/plasterboard can create silica dust. To reduce exposure to silica consider changing product, off site cutting, dust extraction/LEV, wet cutting or respiratory equipment. The main cause of skin cancer (melanoma) is UV radiation/sun. The first symptom of melanoma might be a change in the size, shape or colour of a mole or freckle. You should also let your doctor know about any sores on your skin that don’t heal and any new mole or lump. You can protect yourself from UV radiation by wearing sunscreen, working indoors or shade if possible, covering up and staying hydrated. To protect yourself, as best you can, from all types of cancer, be aware and know the risks and signs, follow advice, reduce exposure, stop smoking, use control measures and PPE, follow a healthy diet and exercise plan and aim to reduce stress.
Visit: www.buildhealthni.com, where you can download the resources for the whole range of health discussion topics and start the conversation towards better awareness of risks to health. MORE INFORMATION AND RESOURCES ON OCCUPATIONAL CANCERS ARE AVAILABLE AT: • Health and Safety Executive (HSE) • Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland (HSENI) • Cancer Research UK
• Macmillan Cancer Support • British Occupational Hygiene Society (BOHS) • National Health Service (NHS)
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