On-The-Job Sun Exposure Causes Skin Cancer

A former carpenter died of cancer at age 54. The disease began as skin cancer, caused by excessive exposure to the sun. During his career he was a framer, working on residential buildings.

Traumatic injury in the workplace captures the headlines, but many workers also die because of working in hazardous environments over a period of time.

Cancer is on the rise in Canada, where this fatality occurred. Health Canada says about nine per cent of cancer deaths are related to occupations. The effects of chemical exposures, for instance, can show up later as cancer. In this case, repeated skin damage caused by years of sun exposure set off the deadly cancer.

Know how to protect yourself from hazardous exposures. If you work or play outdoors, cover up with clothing and use sunscreen.