A commentary on gender based occupational health research, with arguments in favor of increasing the study of health risks to women, was presented. Areas of occupational exposures and diseases of women that have been pursued are illustrated with examples, and the approaches that have been taken were described. Gender differences in the ratings of hazards thought to affect female and male workers were discussed. It was noted that apart from a few unusual exposure cohorts, little research has been conducted on the cancer risks of female workers. Of 1,233 occupational cancer studies published between 1971 and 1990, 35% included female subjects. Only recently have cancer incidence and mortality rates begun to be explored in a variety of traditionally female occupations. The principal focus of occupational health research on women to date has been on whether work during pregnancy affects the fetus. The status of studies on musculoskeletal disorders, job strain and heart disease, work related injury, and work in the home as related to women were discussed. The authors conclude that numerous arguments favor more gender based occupational health research. The arguments include the presence of biological differences between males and females; gaps in knowledge about health risk of jobs held largely by women; and the lack of study of conditions affecting women only in relation to occupational factors.

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