Carcinogens are substances, mixtures and process-related chemical compounds which are capable of causing cancer or promoting the occurrence of cancer through inhalation, ingestion or skin contact.
The most common carcinogenic agents in the workplace are:
chromium (VI) compound
nickel and arsenic and their inorganic compounds
polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), such as benzo(a)pyrene, coal tar, soot and coal tar pitch
welding fumes and fine dusts from working stainless and acid-proof steel
diesel exhaust
environmental tobacco smoke
hardwood dust
fine crystalline quartz dust
formaldehyde
PCB compounds
solvents, such as benzene and 1,2-dichloroethane
vinyl chloride
1,3-butadiene
ethylene oxide.
The following professions are most exposed to carcinogenic agents:
metal processing plant operators
other construction workers
aircraft engine mechanics and repairers
mineral and stone processing plant operators
miners and quarriers
incinerator and water treatment plant operators.
Carcinogenic agents also occur in the following working methods listed in Annex I to Government Decree 113/2024:
manufacture of auramine
work involving exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs)
work involving exposure to carcinogens from combustion processes
work involving exposure to dusts, fumes and sprays produced during the roasting and electro-refining of copper-nickel mattes.
strong acid process in the manufacture of isopropyl alcohol
work involving the worker’s exposure to hardwood dust
work involving exposure to used engine oils
work involving exposure to crystalline silica dust
work involving exposure to carcinogens that are cytotoxic agents in the Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical (ATC) classification or other medicinal products containing carcinogenic or mutagenic substances referred to in Article 2(1)(a) and 2(2)(a) of this Decree.
welding and thermal cutting of stainless steel.
work involving exposure to diesel engine exhaust gases.
work involving exposure to arsenic and its inorganic compounds.
Binding exposure limit values
Binding limit values have been set for carcinogenic agents, and they must not be exceeded. For more information, see Limit values.
Employer’s reporting obligations
The employer is obligated report information on workers exposed to carcinogens and mutagens at work to the register of exposed workers. Further information is available on the Register of exposed workers.
Carcinogenic substances and mixtures: classification and labelling
Carcinogenic substances and mixtures can be identified by the fact that they are classified as category 1A or 1B carcinogens under the Classification, Labelling and Packaging (CLP) Regulation. These substances and mixtures are also labelled with a hazard statement (H) and a hazard pictogram:
CLP Regulation (EC)
No 1272/2008
H350
May cause cancer
Danger
Substances and mixtures suspected of causing cancer are classified as category 2 carcinogens under the CLP Regulation. They are also labelled with a hazard statement (H) and a hazard pictogram:
CLP Regulation (EC)
No 1272/2008
H351
Suspected of causing cancer
Warning
Facilities and signs
Facilities where carcinogens are handled must be clearly indicated by signs. A good way of indicating these facilities is by using the health hazard symbol (GHS08 sign) with the text: “Carcinogenic substances in use!”.
