Cancer is a severe disease involving cell damage. There are hundreds of types of cancer affecting people of all ages. With over 605,000 people dying from cancer in 2021, heart disease is the only thing that claims more lives than cancer in the United States.
Studies have confirmed that casino workers are more likely to absorb carcinogens from secondhand smoke than those who don’t work on casino floors. As of 2018, 29 states allowed smoking in casinos, contributing to the health risks casino workers face.
Schedule your preventative scan at Preventative Diagnostic Center today.
What is the cancer rate for casino workers?
One study of Pennsylvania casino workers revealed that casino workers’ lung cancer rates were significantly higher than the risk of death from a mining disaster. The volume of chemicals known to cause cancer was up to six times higher inside casinos than outside, underscoring the increased health risks to workers.
Are casino workers at higher risk for cancer?
Researchers check for cotinine levels and NNAL to determine the risks of secondhand smoke exposure. Cigarettes contain nicotine. When nicotine enters the body, it turns into cotinine; therefore, cotinine levels indicate nicotine exposure. When people ingest NNK from cigarettes, those chemicals turn into NNAL. Tobacco and tobacco products are the only sources of NNK, a cancer-causing chemical.
Cancer-causing chemicals can be found almost anywhere; however, the exposure volume determines the level of risk from these chemicals. According to a study by the American Nonsmokers’ Rights Foundation (ANRF), casinos have cotinine levels up to 600% greater than those found in other workplaces that allow smoking. Nonsmokers who spent four hours in a casino recorded a 456% increase in cotinine levels. At the same time, these workers showed a 112% increase in NNAL levels. After smoking was banned, the cotinine and NNAL levels in Ontario casino workers dropped by 98% and 52%, respectively.
Individuals regularly exposed to secondhand smoke are 30% more likely to develop lung cancer. This makes it the deadliest cancer in Nevada — where over 400,000 people work in casinos — claiming more lives than other types of cancer.
Related: Las Vegas Lung CT Scans
Why do casino workers have a higher rate of cancer?
Although there’s one primary reason casino workers have higher cancer rates, there are also contributing factors.
Secondhand smoke
Las Vegas is a popular gambling destination known for its nightlife and casinos. There are 31 casinos on the Strip and 60 major casinos in total. However, it wasn’t until 2020 that Vegas gained a smoke-free casino. The Park MGM remains the only completely smoke-free casino, although a few casinos have added smoke-free sections.
Ventilation
Poor ventilation can compound the effects of secondhand smoke. Older casinos usually have older ventilation systems, which are less effective, increasing the health risks associated with airborne illnesses and secondhand smoke.
Night shifts
Casinos do the bulk of their business at night and on weekends. While some casino workers have day shifts, the volume of nighttime business means most workers always or occasionally work at night.
Studies have linked regularly working night shifts with a higher risk of cancer. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) identifies several work-related behaviors that increase the risk of cancer, including the following:
- Working night shifts regularly
- Spending several years working night shifts
- Beginning night shift work at a young age
The CDC also notes that nighttime workers have other increased health risks and are more likely to suffer from several health issues, including strokes, miscarriages, and heart disease.
Related: Cancer Rates Among Salon and Spa Workers
How preventative scans help
Cancer screening helps with early cancer detection. Finding cancer in its early stages increases the survival rate, and you can reduce your risk of an advanced cancer diagnosis when you schedule your preventative health scan.
At Preventative Diagnostic Center, we offer affordable early health scans. Whether you work in a casino, have regular exposure to secondhand smoke, work night shifts, or have other risk factors, we provide expert cancer screening services.
Take control of your health. Contact us to book your non-invasive CT scan today.
Sources:
Hoffman, J. (2023). Smoke-Free Casinos in Las Vegas – A (Slowly) Growing List.
How many casinos are in Las Vegas? (2022).
Lawson, C. et al. (2021). Recent News about Night Shift Work and Cancer: What Does it Mean for Workers?
Leading Causes of Death. (2023).
Mills, H. (2019). Secondhand smoke still a problem, but casino workers have little recourse.
NNAL (4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanol) Factsheet. (2017).
Number of people employed in commercial casinos in the United States, by state in 2018. (2023).
Paine, J.W. (2023). When Should I Go Gambling? Find Out the Best Time to Go To the Casino.
Secondhand Smoke and Gaming Facilities. (2009).
Secondhand Smoke May Threaten Casino Workers’ Health. (2009).
The Risks of Secondhand Smoke in Casinos. (2018).
Types of Cancer. (2020).
West, C. (2009). Secondhand Smoke and Casino Dealers.
