Latest files in the collection on carcinogens at work
The collection: "Carcinogenic Agents at Work: Knowing to Prevent" of the INSST is made up of a series of monographic brochures on the chemical carcinogenic agents that can be found most commonly in workplaces.
For each of the agents you can find information about where exposure to that agent can occur, what risks it can cause to health or what the main preventive and control measures are and they have also prepared an informative poster aimed at workers who are or may be exposed to these agents in their work.
The catalog has recently been updated with two new sheets on occupational exposure to chromium and asbestos and with the aim of knowing how to manage the risk of exposure to these agents for health.
The fact sheet on chromium details how_occupational exposure to hexavalent chromium compounds, Cr (VI), can cause lung cancer, sinus cancer, and other harmful health effects. Cr (VI) compounds include an extensive group of chemical elements with different properties and the ability to form highly colored and insoluble salts, which makes them of great industrial application. In this way, we can find it in very diverse occupations and, therefore, it is necessary to know and apply the most appropriate preventive measures to eliminate, reduce and control the risk of exposure and, consequently, avoid irreversible damage to the health of workers.
As for the sheet on asbestos it is explained as due to due to its excellent properties and low cost, asbestos was widely used in Spain during the 20th century and until its total ban in December 2002. However, the use of materials with asbestos installed or in service before that This date continues to be permitted until its elimination or end of its useful life, so it can currently be found forming part, for example, of facilities, equipment or buildings. Therefore, it is of special importance to adopt measures that reduce the release and dispersion of asbestos fibers in the air and thus avoid the exposure of workers.
