• The risk of cancer from work and workplace exposure is of special concern. About 300-350 different chemical physical and biological factors have been identified as possible occupational carcinogens.
• About 3000 allergens have been identified which cause skin disorders and respiratory diseases (e.g. asthma)
• The total economic loss due to occupational illness amounts to about 10-15% of the worlds gross product.

Possibly the worst occupational chemical is asbestos. Asbestos exposure will kill more people in the UK than were killed in the armed forces during the second world war.

About 1000 die each year from the specifically related cancer, mesothelioma. Many more die from other cancers, at a rate of about 3500 people a year.

Exposure Levels (Maximum and Occupational ELs) have been set in many countries of the world for over 500 chemicals.