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Dangerous UV exposure These occupational groups have the highest risk of skin cancer
According to the German Cancer Society, up to 190,000 people in Germany develop new skin cancers every year. A study of the statutory accident insurance has now examined which occupational groups are particularly at risk. These employees should be specially protected.
Number of skin cancer cases is increasing
The incidence of skin cancer has been steadily rising for decades. Differences are the so-called black skin cancer (malignant melanoma) and the bright skin cancer. According to estimates by the World Health Organization (WHO), two to three million new cases of light skin cancer and more than 250,000 new cases of malignant melanoma occur worldwide each year, reports the German Cancer Society. In Germany, although the cases of bright skin cancer are not covered nationwide, but data from some cancer registries suggest that each year up to 170,000 people suffer from invasive forms of light skin cancer. In invasive malignant melanoma, there are about 18,000 new cases annually in Germany. In some occupational groups, the risk of getting skin cancer is particularly high.
A new study by the Gesetzliche Unfallversicherung shows which occupational groups have a particularly high skin cancer risk. Particularly at risk are employees who work a lot outside. (Image: yuttana590623 / fotolia.com) Some occupational groups are particularly at risk
An international team of researchers reported a few years ago that aviation crew and pilots are more likely to develop skin cancer than other occupational groups. But people who work outdoors, get more sun and thus carcinogenic UV radiation than other employees. The Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (IFA) of the German Social Accident Insurance (DGUV) has now collected and evaluated detailed load data for various activities in outdoor areas as part of a research project. It showed that channel builders, stone crushers as well as roofers and façade builders are at particularly high risk for light skin cancers. For example, their exposure to UV radiation from sunlight was three times higher than that of arable workers or postmen.
Recognized as an occupational disease
Since 2015, white skin cancer can be recognized as an occupational disease. According to a report by the dpa news agency, DGUV press spokesman Stefan Boltz stated that there are already 5,000 suspicious transaction reports in accident insurance alone. However, there is another similar insurance in agriculture, for example. Walter Eichendorf, Vice President of Accident Insurance, said that up to now precise information was lacking as to which occupational groups are particularly exposed to ultraviolet radiation. Only with very precise information "can we take targeted and effective preventive measures," said Eichendorf in a press release.
"Burden so high that something needs to be done"
As part of the study, more than 600 people who work a lot outdoors have been using dosimeters since 2014 in the summer months. The technology records the UV exposure between 7.30 am and 5.30 pm once a week a computer reads out the values. Meanwhile, data are available for 65,000 measurement days. Carpenters, road and concrete workers, bricklayers, steel workers and - at some distance - fruit and vegetable gardeners, are therefore particularly stressed. "The burden on all employees is so high that something has to be done," explained study leader and radiation expert Dr. med. Marc Wittlich. The reasons for the different levels of radiation exposure will now be further investigated.
Technical and organizational protection measures
By far the highest cancer risk from sunlight was found in the study for sewer builders working above ground. They were exposed to so much UV radiation from April to October that, according to Boltz, they would theoretically suffice for one and a half years of sunburn. Dr. Wittlich said: "Some results have really surprised us." The insurance company is in favor of tailor-made sun protection - depending on the industry. According to the Occupational Health and Safety Act, technical and organizational solutions have priority in the protective measures that employers must take. "These include, for example, the use of awnings or the relocation of work in times of lower UV exposure, such as in the early morning or late afternoon," said Bernhard Arenz, Prevention Director of the Professional Association for the Construction Industry (BG BAU).
Protection against circulatory diseases
This is according to Boltz at the same time a protection against circulatory diseases. "There were already employees who collapsed after a heat stroke," said the spokesman. Especially construction workers need protection. With their bare upper bodies, they have long been in the field of accident insurance. In addition to the sun sails "body-covering clothing plus head protection is definitely necessary," said Reinhold Knittel, spokesman for the management of the Social Insurance for Agriculture Forestry and Horticulture (SVLFG). "Sunscreens should be used when other protection is not possible and they must have a high SPF." However, sun creams on construction sites are often of little use because they can combine with dust and run into the eyes when sweaty. If bright skin cancer is recognized as an occupational disease, the accident insurance - and not the health insurance - pays for the treatment and the injured money. According to Boltz, pensions are less common, as skin cancer is often treatable. Important for this is an early diagnosis. Therefore, employees should contact a doctor immediately for the first signs of skin cancer. (Ad)