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According to a new report by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Labour Organization (ILO), working under the sun could be a major cause of skin cancer worldwide. The report, published in the research journal Environment International, reveals that nearly 1 in 3 deaths from non-melanoma skin cancer can be attributed to ultraviolet radiation from outdoor work.

The study ranks occupational ultraviolet radiation exposure as the third largest occupational carcinogen, following asbestos and silica dust. The findings emphasize the urgent need to address the risks associated with working outdoors in the sun.

Lead author of the study, Frank Pega, an epidemiologist at WHO, highlights the significance of these estimates, stating, "It's actually a really big deal, because it's the first estimates of work-related skin cancer that we have globally." Non-melanoma skin cancer, which includes basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, affects the upper layers of the skin beyond the melanocyte cells responsible for producing skin pigment.

Ultraviolet radiation from sunlight is a known risk factor for skin cancer. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that solar radiation can damage skin cells and eventually lead to skin cancer. WHO's International Agency for Research on Cancer classifies solar radiation as a Group 1 carcinogen, indicating that it is a known cause of cancer in humans.

The researchers analyzed cases of occupational exposure to solar radiation and instances of non-melanoma skin cancer across nearly 200 countries. The report, which examined 166 million observations from 763 labor force surveys conducted in 2000, 2010, and 2019, represents one of the largest studies to explore the link between sunlight and cancer in the workplace.

The findings reveal that 1.6 billion workers, accounting for almost 30% of all working-age individuals, were occupationally exposed to ultraviolet radiation in 2019. Industries such as agriculture, construction, and fishing were particularly affected. While men and young adults were found to be the most exposed, the overall number of people exposed to ultraviolet radiation at work decreased by 32% from 2000 to 2019.

Despite the decline in exposure, the number of skin cancer deaths related to occupational ultraviolet radiation increased by approximately 90% during the same period. The study estimates that in 2019 alone, 18,960 deaths resulted from non-melanoma skin cancer caused by workplace exposure to ultraviolet radiation, with the majority of victims being men.

The report underscores the substantial burden of occupational non-melanoma skin cancer and its inequitable distribution. Surprisingly, the study found that low- and middle-income countries, particularly in certain regions of Africa, experienced a higher incidence of occupational skin cancer than anticipated, challenging the assumption that it is mainly concentrated in high-income countries in Europe, North America, and Australia.

To mitigate the risks associated with sun exposure in the workplace, the study suggests several measures that employers and policymakers can implement. These include adjusting work hours for outdoor workers to avoid peak sunlight, providing shade, and enforcing labor laws that require protective clothing such as broad-brimmed hats and long-sleeve shirts. The report also emphasizes the importance of improved access to early screening for skin cancer for all workers.

Additionally, the study recommends that countries consider including skin cancer from occupational sunlight exposure in their national lists of workplace diseases. This move would enable affected employees to receive workers' compensation, providing them with the necessary support and care.

Overall, the report calls for a shift in thinking and actions regarding occupational sun exposure. It highlights the need for occupational health systems to adapt and for greater awareness and protection surrounding the risks of working in the sun. By implementing preventive measures and ensuring early detection and treatment, significant progress can be made in reducing the impact of skin cancer caused by occupational sunlight exposure.

Note: The news article has been generated using the information provided and does not reflect real events or data.