The skin cancer in the construction industry

UNLABELLED: The risk factors for the development of cutaneous neoplasms are well-known (skin type, ultraviolet rays, familiar occurrence, etc.) and the exposure to ultraviolet light is probably the most important one. Construction workers, due to the characteristics of the work performed (outdoor work), are exposed to UV rays for most of their workday, often in association with the exposure to chemicals (PAHs, solvents) with a role in promoting skin carcinogenesis. The construction industry is therefore a true "test" for the prevention of skin cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: description of skin cancer in the construction workers subject to medical surveillance at the "Territorial Joint Committee of Bergamo" (8 basal cell cancers, 1 squamous cell carcinomas and 4 melanomas). PURPOSE: review of the medical literature data, evaluation of the exposure to multiple risk factors, prevention proposals in a professional field where the "culture of tanning" is still widespread.