Which regions worldwide are hardest hit by workplace carcinogens?

A new report has revealed alarming statistics regarding cancer deaths linked to workplace carcinogens, with Western Europe leading the world in rates of mortality.

Down to Earth reported data from Global Burden of Disease, highlighting the regions most affected by cancers attributed to occupational exposure to hazardous substances, such as asbestos, arsenic, beryllium, and benzene.

Western Europe tops the list with 19.88 deaths per 100,000 people in 2021, followed closely by Australia and New Zealand at 16.96 deaths.

High-income countries in the Asia Pacific region have also reported significant figures, with 14.71 deaths per 100,000 people, said Down to Earth, a publication focused on politics of environment and development.

The following are the top 10 regions with the most cancer deaths from workplace carcinogens:

1. Western Europe (19.88 deaths per 100,000 people)
2. Australia & New Zealand (16.96 deaths)
3. High-Income Asia Pacific (14.71 deaths)
4. High-Income North America (12.21 deaths)
5. Central Europe (9.82 deaths)
6. East Asia (5.51 deaths)
7. Southern Latin America (5.18 deaths)
8. Eastern Europe (4.27 deaths)
9. Tropical Latin America (2.97 deaths)
10. Southern Sub-Saharan Africa (2.77 deaths)

Down To Earth's report also indicates that Central Europe and East Asia are rapidly catching up. Central Europe's cancer death rates from workplace carcinogens have doubled since 1990, while East Asia's death rates are now 2.5 times higher.

The findings come as efforts across the world have been implemented to limit workers' exposure to harmful substances.

Nearly all OECD countries have banned asbestos, a well-known carcinogen, according to Down To Earth.

Australia, on the other hand, has implemented a ban on engineered stone, which is a source of silica exposure, which is linked to lung cancer and silicosis, a serious lung disease.