253 Findings of the Workers’ exposure survey (WES) on cancer risk factors in six European countries

Introduction EU-OSHA has implemented the largest European survey to date to estimate worker’s exposure to known cancer risk factors. Methods WES is based on the Australian workplace exposures study (AWES) and has been thoroughly adapted to the European work context. It uses the occupational exposure assessment tool for epidemiological studies (OccIDEAS) to estimate the probability and level of exposure to 24 selected cancer risk factors in all sectors of activity, including chemical and physical risks like asbestos, benzene, chromium (VI), diesel engine exhaust emissions, nickel, respirable crystalline silica, ultraviolet radiation or wood dust, among others. Estimates of exposure and co-exposures for each respondent are based on detailed answers from workers regarding their job tasks in the last working week; obtained via telephone interviews conducted by trained interviewers in each country. Results After fieldwork, 24402 interviews were available for analysis from six countries: Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Ireland and Spain. We will present demographic information on respondents and describe the main findings regarding assessment of exposures and co-exposures to the cancer risk factors. Additional information will be provided on the circumstances of exposure for some of the most spread cancer risk factors (solar ultraviolet radiation, diesel engine exhaust emissions, formaldehyde, benzene, and respirable crystalline silica) Conclusions WES results contribute to the Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan and support the EU strategic framework on health and safety at work 2021-2027. Data could be used to refine estimates of the burden of harm from carcinogens and help prioritise agents for prevention and monitoring actions.