GENEVA, April 27 (Xinhua) -- Every year at least 200,000 people die from cancers related to their workplace, the World Health Organization (WHO) said on Friday.

Millions of workers run the risk of developing cancers such as lung cancer and mesothelioma from inhaling asbestos fibers and from tobacco smoke, or leukemia from exposure to benzene at their workplaces, the UN agency said in a statement.

According to the statement, which was issued ahead of the World Day for Safety and Health, lung cancer, mesothelioma, and bladder cancer are among the most common types of occupational cancers.

The rates of occupational cancer exposure are highest among workers whose workplaces do not meet the requirements for health and safety protection and do not have the necessary engineering measures to prevent the pollution of air with carcinogenic substances.

"The tragedy of occupational cancer resulting from asbestos, benzene and other carcinogens is that it takes so long for science to be translated into protective action," said Dr. Maria Neira, WHO director of public health and environment.

"In the interests of protecting our health, we must adopt an approach rooted in primary prevention, that is to make workplaces free from carcinogenic risks," he said.

To protect workers from occupational cancer, the WHO urged governments and industry to ensure that workplaces are equipped with adequate measures to meet health and safety standards and that they be free from dangerous pollutants.