• 2/25/2007
  • Toronto, Ontario, Canada
  • Paul Taylor
  • Globe and Mail (www.theglobeandmail.com)

Construction workers have double the risk of the general population of developing head, neck and esophageal cancers, according to a landmark study by Canadian researchers.

“They work in dusty environments and are exposed to all kinds of hazardous substances,” said lead researcher James Brophy, executive director of the Occupational Health Clinics for Ontario Workers.

“We actually know from other studies that workers — particularly construction workers — are bearing an elevated risk for a whole range of cancers.”

The new study, based on data gathered through the Windsor Regional Cancer Centre, is one of the first to focus on head, neck and esophageal cancers. It is being published todayin the International Journal of Occupational and Environmental Health.

Head and neck cancers primarily involve the upper respiratory passages, such as the nose, mouth and throat. The esophagus is the hollow, muscular tube that carries food and liquids from the throat to the stomach.

Among other potentially harmful chemicals, those in the construction trades can come into contact with asbestos and silica — two well-known carcinogens — when working in older buildings.

Dr. Brophy, who holds an academic post at the University of Windsor, said very little research is now being done to measure the link between different jobs and cancer risks. That means “there is no way to identify potential populations at risk and to do something to try to prevent these exposures.”