Over working causes cancer

[TrueBlueTerrier]

http://www.news.com.au/couriermail/stor ... 53,00.html



Neil Hickey

January 07, 2008 10:04am

A REPORT by the United Nations has found shift work of 12 hours or more particularly at night is "probably a cause of some cancers.
The report, which also warns of similar risks for painters and firefighters, has been welcomed by the Australian Workers Union which claimed to be long concerned at the health impacts on nightshift workers.

The report by the UNs International Agency for Research on Cancer, attached to the World Health Organisation, said circadian disruption was the cause of the cancers.

The preliminary findings extend to breast cancers but further studies are expected to determine if the syndrome extends to other forms of the disease.

"The studies are consistent with animal studies that demonstrate that constant light, dim light at night or simulated chronic jetlag can substantially increase tumour development, the report said.

"Other experimental studies show that reducing melatonin levels at night increases the incidence or growth of tumours.

AWU national secretary Paul Howes said the results backed up what the union had been claiming for years.

"Our union has for many years strongly and publicly warned our members that there are calculated risks in 12 hour shifts - we believe that 12 hour shifts involving night work especially may burden our members' health," he said.

Dr Vincent Cogliano from the IARC said the report identified exposure to light at night as the main cause of disruption to the circadian system.

He said of the many kinds of shiftwork, nightwork was the most disruptive.

"Nearly 20 per cent of the working population in Europe and North America is engaged in shiftwork, which is most prevalent in the health care, industrial, transportation, communications and hospitality sectors.

"To date, most studies have focused on breast cancer in nurses and flight attendants. Now more studies are needed to examine this potential risk in other professions and for other cancers.

The report also found increases in lung and bladder cancer among painters, owing to exposure to chemical solvents, pigments and additives.

Firefighters, meanwhile, were found to have "consistent increases in testicular and prostate cancer as well as non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

The report said occupational exposure to numerous toxic chemicals were "possibly carcinogenic.