Cancer prevention in the workplace and natural environment. A review of etiology, research design, and methods of risk reduction.

Guidelines for developing programs in cancer prevention and reduction of risk related to occupational and environmental carcinogens are provided in this review, which includes a summary of experimental and epidemiologic research designs for assessing potential etiologic agents, an overview of known occupational and environmental carcinogens, and a summary of general approaches to risk reduction. This review includes human cancer risks in the workplace and in the natural environment, which encompasses air pollution, water pollution, and hazardous waste disposal. Fourteen tables present the following: (1) established and probable carcinogens that may be encountered in the workplace, as contaminants of air or water, or as hazardous waste; (2) regulated carcinogens; (3) primary sources of exposure; (4) research designs; and (5) risk reduction methods. The interactive effects of multiple exposures are discussed as they relate to etiology and prevention. The importance of federal regulation is emphasized, as well as the need to understand the potential for cancer prevention in the context of broader economic, political and social issues.