Development of Korean CARcinogen EXposure: 2020 update on IARC group 1 carcinogens

Objectives The Korean CARcinogen EXposure (K-CAREX) project previously assessed occupational exposure to 20 International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) Group 1 carcinogens in 2010. This study updated K-CAREX to reflect exposure data from 2020. Methods We selected 20 IARC Group 1 carcinogens for this update. Reference exposure prevalence estimates were calculated using 3 nationwide occupational databases: the Work Environment Measurement Database (WEMD), the Special Health Examination Database (SHED), and the Work Environment Condition Survey (WECS). Among 37 industrial hygienists from the previous study, 26 participated again, providing exposure estimates after reviewing reference estimates from the 3 data sources. The median of their estimates was used as the final exposure prevalence. The number of exposed workers was calculated by multiplying the final exposure prevalence by the 2020 national census data for each carcinogen and industry. Exposure intensity ratings were also estimated using the WEMD. Results Exposure prevalence and the number of exposed workers were estimated for 20 carcinogens across 232 industries. For example, in the “manufacture of basic chemicals” industry, benzene exposure prevalence was estimated at 9%, with 3,833 workers exposed and an exposure intensity rating of 2. The largest exposed population was to welding fumes (266,965 workers), followed by crystalline silica (246,807 workers), nickel (191,258 workers), and mineral oil mist (179,305 workers). Conclusions This updated data offers valuable insights into occupational carcinogen exposure, supporting cancer prevention efforts and future epidemiological studies.