UV exposure linked to skin cancers

An expert report published on October 15, 2026, by the National Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health Safety (Anses) concludes there is a proven causal link between occupational exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays, natural or artificial, and the occurrence of three skin cancers: squamous cell carcinomas, basal cell carcinomas, and cutaneous melanomas. The report also shows a causal relationship between exposure to artificial UV rays from welding and ocular melanomas.

Occupational UV exposure affects many workers

The analysis is based on an evaluation of the scientific literature and concerns mainly workers working outdoors, but also those exposed to artificial sources of UV. In France, about 3.5 million employees are affected by solar exposure in the professional context. The report lists various professions where personnel are considered exposed to natural UV, including farmers, gardeners and landscape workers, construction and public works workers, employees in the transport and freight sectors, postal workers, workers in the food service, culture, art and social sectors, workers in industry and telecommunications, among others. Some may be superexposed, for example when surfaces reflect UV rays such as snow.

Prevention starts with collective measures

Anses emphasizes the importance of individual protections, such as wearing a hat, covering clothing, glasses, or using sunscreen, but specifies that these are not sufficient. Prevention should first rely on collective and organizational measures aimed at reducing exposure itself. The agency recommends integrating the solar UV risk into the single document for assessing occupational risks (DUERP), then adapting the work organization by postponing tasks in case of strong radiation, adjusting schedules, rotating positions, providing shaded areas, or limiting the time spent in the sun.

Early detection and recognition of UV-related diseases

To limit late diagnoses, Anses proposes performing a skin examination as part of routine consultations in occupational medicine, with specific training for occupational physicians in dermatological examination. Early screening is all the more important since the majority of skin cancers can be cured when detected early. The agency also requests the creation of a table of occupational diseases specifically for UV-related skin cancers. This tool would facilitate the recognition, management, and compensation of affected employees.