Alarming Data for Europe: Nearly One-Third of Healthcare Workers Are at Risk of Developing Cancer

Nearly one-third of those working in the healthcare and social sectors in Europe are exposed to factors that can increase the risk of developing cancer. This is shown by a new study focusing on the often underestimated occupational risks for medical professionals, Euronews reports.

Cancer remains the leading cause of work-related deaths in the European Union, with approximately 100,000 people dying annually from occupational cancers, and millions of workers exposed to carcinogenic factors in their daily work, according to data from the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work.

The new “Workers’ Exposure Survey,” conducted by the agency, shows that 47.3% of all assessed workers across various economic sectors were exposed to at least one cancer risk factor during their last working week.

The study included 24,402 telephone interviews conducted between 2022 and 2023 among workers in Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, and Spain.

The data for the healthcare sector is particularly alarming. Among those working in healthcare and social care, 29.5% reported being exposed to at least one carcinogenic factor, and 7.8% to two or more.

“Risks associated with exposure to carcinogenic substances in the health and social sectors have historically remained less visible compared to other industries,” commented Dr. Michelle Turner, senior author of the study from the Barcelona Institute for Global Health.

“This study highlights the need to develop prevention strategies adapted to the actual working conditions in this sector,” she added.

Healthcare and social services are among the largest employers in Europe. The sector employs over 21.6 million people—about 11% of the continent’s entire workforce. This includes hospitals, nursing homes, medical practices, social services, and home care.

The study analyzed exposure to 24 proven carcinogenic factors characteristic of the EU work environment—chemical substances, physical risks, production processes, and their combinations.

Among the most common risks for medical and social workers are:

• ionizing radiation – 7.4%;
• diesel exhaust fumes – 6.2%;
• ultraviolet solar radiation – 6.1%;
• formaldehyde – 5.2%;
• benzene – 4.8%.

Particularly concerning are formaldehyde and ethylene oxide—substances widely used for disinfection and sterilization in healthcare facilities.

Medical professionals can be at risk during various activities—from working with cleaning agents and sterilizing agents to using medical equipment.

Working with X-ray machines and radioisotopes, for example, increases exposure to ionizing radiation, which can lead to cell damage if protection is insufficient.

The study also identifies specific occupations with higher risk. Those working in anatomy laboratories are exposed to higher levels of formaldehyde. Dental technicians making crowns, bridges, and dentures may inhale fine particles of crystalline silica, while employees working with transport vehicles and engines are exposed to diesel emissions.

According to the European Code Against Cancer, occupational exposure remains one of the most important and preventable risk factors for oncological diseases.

The study’s authors call for stricter prevention policies, improved protective measures, and better tracking of risks for the people who work daily to care for the health of others.