Mr Patsy McGlone (Mid Ulster): To ask the Minister of Health to outline (i) what the high-risk occupations are for blood cancers, based on research; and (ii) what steps are being taken to improve early diagnosis, monitoring, and workplace protections for these groups.
Minister of Health: There is limited research specific to the prevalence of blood cancers associated with specific occupations. However, some high-risk occupations with increased risk of blood cancer, particularly leukaemia, include those with exposure to certain chemicals, solvents and radiation such as benzene and ionising radiation.
The list below outlines occupations which are susceptible to a higher risk of developing blood cancers.
Petrochemical Industry Workers (Limited population in NI);
Rubber and Plastics Manufacturing Workers;
Agricultural Workers and Farmers (where exposed to certain pesticides);
Painters and Industrial Coaters;
Shoemakers and Leather Workers (limited population in NI);
Radiologic Technologists and Nuclear Workers (mostly in healthcare where highly regulated);
Dry Cleaning Workers;
Firefighters;
Hairdressers and Barbers and;
Printing and Press Workers
Whilst some of these occupations are very specific it should be noted that not everyone employed within these sectors will be exposed to high-risk chemicals associated with blood cancers.
In 2015, the World Health Organisation’s International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) co-ordinated a study on the International Nuclear Workers Study (INWORKS). This study provided the strongest evidence yet that protracted exposure to low doses of ionizing radiation can cause leukaemia and that the risk of death from leukaemia increases linearly with the radiation dose.
In terms of the steps being taken to improve early diagnosis, monitoring and workplace protection for these groups, the Health and Safety Executive Northern Ireland (HSENI) is currently running an Occupational Health Campaign involving inspection, advisory visits, information promotion and education across all work sectors. A key component of this campaign is to raise the awareness of employers and employees of the need to identify and manage specific risks encountered in their workplace including occupational cancers.
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