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
• benzene
• cadmium and cadmium compounds
• asbestos
• 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!”.