Certain occupations carry an increased cancer risk: these include painters; furniture makers; workers in the iron, steel, coal, and rubber industries; and workers involved in shoe manufacturing and repair.

Always use proper protective equipment when handling chemicals, and clean spills immediately.

Ask at your workplace about Material Safety Data Sheets, which contain information about hazardous substances.

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/) can answer many of your questions.