Carcinogenic chemicals used in selected industries and agriculture sectors in Tanzania. A descriptive study

Abstract

Introduction: In Tanzania, there are 50,000 cancer cases reported annually, and this number is projected to double by 2030. Workplace exposure to carcinogens may be a contributing factor to cancer risk. However, there is limited knowledge about the presence and use of carcinogenic chemicals at workplaces in developing countries, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. The study aimed to describe the presence of carcinogens in chemical agents used in industry and agriculture sectors in Tanzania.

Methods: Data about chemicals used in industries and agriculture in Tanzania were extracted from the databases of two government regulatory authorities: the Government Chemist Laboratory Authority (GCLA) and the Tanzania Plant Health and Pesticide Authority (TPHPA).  The chemicals were evaluated based on the presence of carcinogens in groups 1, 2A, 2B and 3 according to the classification by the International Agency for Research on Cancer.

Results: A total of 2907 chemicals were assessed from the industries. Five percent of the chemicals were carcinogens. The cement industry had the highest proportion of chemicals containing carcinogens, accounting for approximately 14%. Formaldehyde was the most frequently occurring Group 1 carcinogen, present in 45% of the industries studied. Additionally, out of the 1855 pesticides assessed, 2% were found to contain carcinogens.

Conclusion: This study revealed the presence of carcinogens in chemicals within industrial chemicals and agricultural pesticides in Tanzania. It indicates that workers employed in these workplaces could potentially be at risk of carcinogen exposure, which necessitates the implementation of regulatory measures.