title: CAREX Nicaragua and Panama: Worker exposures to carcinogenic substances and pesticides.
abstract: This study provides data on numbers of workers exposed at work to selected carcinogens and pesticides in Nicaragua (35 substances) and Panama (31), based on a modification of the CAREX data system. Population censuses provided industry- and sex-specific workforce numbers. The activity- and sex-specific proportions of exposed workers were estimated by experts from governmental agencies, workers' organizations, and employers' representatives. Finally, the numbers of those occupied in each activity/sex category were multiplied by the proportions of those exposed in the same categories, yielding numbers of those exposed in these categories for each agent. The study revealed high proportions (> 9%) of occupationally exposed workers in both countries for solar radiation and diesel engine emissions; environmental tobacco smoke in Panama; and some pesticides in Nicaragua. A high proportion of exposed was found for men for lead (12%), silica dust (10%), and hexavalent chromium (10%) in Panama.
authors: Center for Research on Health, Work and Environment (CISTA), Nicaragua. luiseblanco@yahoo.com
authors: Luis Enrique
authors: LE
authors: Blanco-Romero
authors: Luis E
authors: LE
authors: Vega
authors: Luz M
authors: LM
authors: Lozano-Chavarría
authors: Timo J
authors: TJ
authors: Partanen
mesh_terms: D002274:Carcinogens, Environmental / Q000633:toxicity*; D003906:Developing Countries / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D007221:Industry / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D008297:Male; D009527:Nicaragua / Q000453:epidemiology; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D016272:Occupational Health / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D009790:Occupations / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D010176:Panama; D010575:Pesticides / Q000633:toxicity*; D012737:Sex Factors
chemical_list: D002274:Carcinogens, Environmental; D010575:Pesticides