Smoking remains the top risk factor for lung cancer, but certain work environments can also raise your risk — a concern expressed by some members of MyLungCancerTeam. “I believe my lung cancer was due to environmental issues. I’ve always been around fumes: cleaning, garages, paints, who knows,” one member said.

Knowing if your job or past jobs could be linked to lung disease can help you take steps to stay safe, like using protective equipment, getting screened, and discussing concerns with your doctor. Here are some worksites associated with an increased risk of lung cancer.

1. Construction and Mining

Working in construction can expose you to toxic workplace chemicals, particles, and fumes. One of the biggest offenders is asbestos. This natural mineral is found in rock, soil, and older buildings. Asbestos is often added to construction materials for fireproofing and other benefits. Unfortunately, asbestos is also a known carcinogen, or cancer-causing substance. Experts estimate that 1.3 million workers are exposed to asbestos each year, raising their risk of certain cancers, including lung cancer and mesothelioma.

Silica dust is another cancer-causing substance that construction workers may face. It’s 100 times finer than sand, making it easy to breathe in without even noticing it’s in the air.

Tasks associated with silica dust inhalation include:

• Bricklaying
• Casting
• Demolition
• Manufacturing brick, ceramics, concrete, glass, metal, or tile
• Paving or road construction
• Sandblasting
• Stone Masonry

There’s no evidence that construction work directly causes lung cancer. However, this industry poses risks to lung health. One study looked at data from 15,445 people who died after working in construction.

The results showed an increased rate of lung cancer and respiratory diseases. The researchers also found a 28.6 percent rate of poor lung function, which they described as “very high.” The authors noted that painters, machinists, and roofers didn’t have the greater risk seen with other types of construction work. However, other studies have reported that painting and roofing are high-risk occupations for lung cancer.

People who work in mines deal with several of these same issues. They’re also often exposed to radon gas and gamma radiation, which increase the risk of lung cancer and other types of cancer.

2. Railroads

Like construction workers and miners, railroad workers may have a risk of exposure to asbestos (used in electrical panels, brake shoes, and pipe insulation materials) and silica (added to railroad tracks for traction and found in on-site gravel).

In addition, fumes from welding, diesel exhaust, and cleaning solvents may contain carcinogens. Herbicides to kill weeds near the tracks, lead in certain paints, and creosote (a substance used to treat railroad ties) are also potential hazards on the job.

There’s no way to measure the exact risk. The chance of getting lung cancer depends on details such as how long you worked on the railroads, your specific job (pipe fitter, welder, etc.), and your other lifestyle and genetic factors. Discussing your work history with your doctor can give them clues about what to watch out for.

3. Nail Salons

If you walk past the open door of a nail salon, you might smell the strong fumes from the manicures being done. That’s because nail polish, nail polish removers, and artificial nails contain loads of chemicals. This might not pose a big risk to customers who stop in for short-term visits, but working in a nail salon for several hours a day has significant health effects.

The many harmful chemicals in nail salon products include acetone, toluene, formaldehyde, and acrylates. These chemicals release volatile organic compounds that linger in the air and are easily inhaled. Studies show that nail salon workers commonly experience irritation, breathing problems, and headaches. They also have higher rates of miscarriage and different types of cancer.

For these reasons, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recommends that nail salon workers wear protective equipment like masks and gloves. Workers who don’t have health insurance or routine health care may not catch problems like lung cancer until the disease is at a more advanced stage.

4. Rubber Factories

Since the 1980s, the rubber manufacturing industry has ramped up efforts to remove carcinogens from products to protect public health. Unfortunately, workers may still be exposed to harmful substances. While the most obvious signs of damage happen with skin exposure, the working conditions in rubber production can also be dangerous for the lungs.

Exposure can occur at various points in the rubber-making process. Mixing or curing raw materials produces dust and fumes with known carcinogens. Carbon black and asbestos are two substances linked to higher rates of lung cancer for rubber workers. People who work in rubber manufacturing, such as tire production, should be aware of these risks and wear the necessary protective gear to keep their skin and lungs safe.

5. Offices

You might assume that working in an office is relatively safe, but these jobs come with their own set of potential health hazards. For example, some research suggests that sitting for eight hours a day without physical exercise can raise the risk of death. In addition, office workers who hang out with others while they take smoking breaks are exposed to cigarette smoke that directly affects the lungs.

Even those who try to make a healthy choice of walking during breaks may expose themselves to environmental pollution from nearby traffic or factories. Unfortunately, not all lung cancer risk factors can be avoided.

One member of MyLungCancerTeam shared their surprise at the results of a recent lung scan. “I’m sitting here looking at some results of a CT scan, very perplexed. The scan shows an area of asbestos plaque,” they said. “While I worked in some old federal building with pipes insulated with asbestos, I find it hard to believe that was the asbestos source.”

It’s not always clear what leads to lung cancer. Sometimes, work plays a major role, but it’s just one of many possible risk factors. As experts continue to learn more about the causes of lung cancer, new workplace rules can help keep workers safe. However, being aware of your surroundings and daily habits at work and home can guide small choices that add up to lower your health risks.

Talk With Others Who Understand

MyLungCancerTeam is the social network for people with lung cancer and their family members and loved ones. On MyLungCancerTeam, more than 12,000 members come together to ask questions, give advice, and share their stories with others who understand life with lung cancer.

Have you developed health problems related to your job site or occupational exposure to carcinogens? Do you believe work-related conditions contributed to your lung cancer diagnosis? Share your thoughts in the comments below, or start a conversation by posting on your Activities page.