Occupational Health Injuries and Illnesses Among Women Workers in the Chemical Industry: A Scoping Review

Abstract

Background: The number of women in the chemical industry has recently increased due to more women pursuing science careers. It is necessary, therefore, to analyze the emerging health risks for female workers in the chemical industry. This study examines the relationship between occupational health and sex/gender in the chemical industry, with a gender perspective.

Methods: We present a scoping review (n = 97). After removing duplicates and applying eligibility criteria, we selected 27 articles published in the last decade that explored the industry's occupational risks.

Findings: Most of the papers include predominantly male samples and describe adult populations, mainly from developed countries. The studies focus on various employment contexts of chemical industries. We identified health risks in oncology, dermatology, and the respiratory system, among others. We found that particular emphasis was given to the relationship between occupational exposure and cancer, especially breast cancer. Furthermore, we observed sex/gender differences in the prevalence of respiratory and dermatological disorders. These results highlight the need to consider specific sex/gender-based health risk factors in the chemical industry.

Conclusions/application to practice: The chemical industry is considered a crucial health determinant, however, the studies focused on sex/gender-based differences without considering gender-specific physiology and work circumstances. Although some studies do mention sex/gender disparities, such as occupational rhinitis, which is more frequent in women, studies are scarce. The absence of a segregated analysis with a gender perspective could lead to the ignorance of emerging health risks for female workers, highlighting the urgent need to include a gender perspective in future research.

Keywords: chemical industry; gender perspective; interdisciplinary communication; occupational risks; sex.