Cleaning agents and water-based paints can lead to eczema. Inhaled particles can cause lung damage, epoxy paint can cause asthma and asbestos can lead to cancer, even in very low quantities.

Diesel is another well-known chemical risk, and diesel exhaust fumes are known to be carcinogenic. In 2012 the World Health Organization, WHO, put diesel in the same risk category as asbestos and arsenic.

Previous research studies in shipping have shown an increased risk of cancer among seafarers. At the department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine at the University of Gothenburg and Shagreens University Hospital, new research projects studying chemical safety risks on board are underway.

One of the studies is focusing on the incidence of cancer among seafarers in general, and not just those who work in the engine department. The leader of this study is Eva Andersson, consultant doctor who for carried out research in shipping for many years. 

In the last 10 to 15 years, there has been an increasing focus on particles and exposure to them.

“It is a register study involving around 85,000 people who were registered as seafarers between 1985 and 2013, but the incidence of cancer has been followed until 2020,” she says. 

One chemical safety risk that has been given increased attention in recent years is that of small particles, which occur in soot, dust, cleaning agents and exhaust gases among other things. Håkan Tinnerberg is an associate professor in occupational and environmental hygiene and works at Occupational and Environmental Medicine in Gothenburg. 

“In the last 10 to 15 years, there has been an increasing focus on particles and exposure to them,” he says, “both in terms of the particles as such, but also what they consist of.”   

The size of the particles is important in the effect they can have to an exposed person’s health, explains Eva Andersson. Smaller particles are more difficult for the body to reject than larger ones and they can penetrate further into the lungs. 

“High-pressure washers and sprays have become increasingly popular to use in connection with cleaning, but they generate small, fine particles that can pass deep into the lungs,” says Eva Andersson.