'Cancer' is a term for diseases in which abnormal cells divide without control. The term cancer covers a range of different diseases. There are a number of well-known sets of circumstances which have demonstrated the link between some occupational exposures and some types of cancer.

The International Agency for Research on Cancer is the cancer agency of the World Health Organization and provides detailed reviews and classifications of known or potential carcinogens.

General information

• National Health and Medical Research Council Statement on cancer clusters
• International Agency for Research on Cancer
• Safe Work Australia - Model Code of Practice: Managing risks of hazardous chemicals in the workplace
• Safe Work Australia - Guide to Managing Risks of Exposure to Carcinogens in the Workplace

Specific carcinogens

• Asbestos
• Diesel fumes
  • Managing risks of exposure to diesel exhaust exposure in the workplace : information sheet  Canberra : Safe Work Australia, 2015
  • Guidance on managing risks from exposure to diesel exhaust in the workplace  Canberra : Safe Work Australia, 2015
• Lead 
  • Prevent lead poisoning
  • Removal from lead work – Management of workers
• PCBs – Safe handling
• Silica
• Smoking
• Styrene
• UV radiation - Sun safety in the workplace
• Welding and Cancer - Cancer Council 
• Wood dust
  • Guidance note - Controlling wood dust hazards at work 
• Scheduled carcinogens  

Exposure standards

• Find exposure standards at Hazardous Substances Information System (HSIS) 
• Guidance on the Interpretation of Exposure Standards for Airborne Contaminants