200,000 people died of toxic substances causing cancer

The World Health Organization warns that at least 200,000 people die from cancer every year because of secondhand smoke and exposure to asbestos at work. The warning was given by the World Health Organization (WHO) on the occasion of the World Day for Safety and Health at work (April 28).

WHO says exposure to asbestos in the workplace is seriously affecting about 125 million people worldwide and killing about 90,000 people each year.

Meanwhile, people who inhale tobacco smoke (passive smoking) at work will be twice as likely to develop lung cancer than those who work in a smoke-free environment.

Tobacco smoke in the workplace is one of the fatal agents for at least 200,000 people each year.(Photo: Reuters)

There are also thousands of people dying of blood cancer from exposure to benzene, an organic compound used in the manufacture of rubber, dyes and pesticides. In addition, this substance is also widely used in diamond and chemical manufacturing industries.

In a report released in Geneva, Maria Neira, WHO Director of Public Health and Environment, said: 'Every year more than hundreds of thousands of people get cancer because of exposure to toxic substances. know and can prevent it '. Among these toxic substances are asbestos, a mineral widely used in industry and construction.

According to this report, lung cancer, carcinoma and bladder cancer are the most common cancers due to the unsafe working environment.

The highest rate of cancer exposure at work is highest in areas where workers' health protection requirements are not followed and there are no effective technical solutions to prevent the situation. Air is polluted by carcinogens.

Facing this situation, WHO called on governments and industries to enhance safety standards to ensure workers are not exposed to substances that can cause cancer in the workplace.

According to WHO, to prevent hundreds of thousands of unjust deaths due to hazardous substances in the work environment, all countries need to stop the use of asbestos, should use organic solvents without benzene, and Thoroughly ban smoking at work as well as public places.

Minh Quang