Labour

People are affected differently by chemical exposure due to socially defined gender roles and the resulting division of labour. These roles often determine where people work and, therefore, which chemicals they are exposed to. In agriculture, for example, women are often more affected by indirect exposure when harvesting and handling treated crops, while men are more likely to be directly exposed when mixing and spraying pesticides.

Men are often more directly exposed, as they are more likely to perform high-risk tasks. In many cultures, norms around strength and invulnerability can also encourage greater risk-taking behaviour, increasing the likelihood of workplace accidents and hazardous exposure. In contrast, women’s exposure is often more indirect and occurs over longer periods of time, which can lead to occupational diseases that are underdiagnosed, underreported, and undercompensated.

Globally, many chemical-intensive industries – such as textiles, plastics, and electronics – rely heavily on female labour. A significant share of women’s work takes place in informal and unregulated settings, where labour protections and chemical safety standards are often lacking. In addition, work predominantly carried out by women is often perceived as less hazardous and may receive less attention in risk assessments and safety training. Tools and personal protective equipment (PPE) have also traditionally been designed for the male body, reducing their effectiveness for many women.

At the same time, women are often underrepresented in leadership positions and decision-making processes at work, limiting their influence over occupational health and safety measures. They are also less likely to be unionized or to hold senior roles in workers’ organizations.

Overall, gendered patterns of work strongly shape chemical exposure. Recognizing gender differences in the workplace is essential for effectively protecting the health and safety of all workers while handling chemicals.