About 3 million workers in the EU are estimated to be exposed to hardwood dust. Prolonged exposure to hardwood dust can cause cancer in the nose and paranasal sinuses. Hardwood dust is classified as Group 1 carcinogen by the IARC, meaning it is considered a definite cause of cancer in humans.

Where risks occur

The highest exposure levels generally occur in professions related to the wood and wood furniture manufacturing industry such as sander operators, press operators in the wood products industry and lathe operators. However, exposure to wood dust can occur in any of the operations or processes that make up the life cycle of wood products, from felling to installation and final finishing. Examples where exposure occurs are during the construction of building and ships, forestry and the carpentry industries.

More about the substance

Hardwood dust is generated when machines or tools are used to cut or shape hardwood. High amounts of wood dust are for instance produced in sawmills. Larger dust particles stay in the nose and nasal airways and can cause cancer in the nose. Smaller particles can penetrate deeper in the lungs with the possibility of developing asthma, alveolitis and other pulmonary pathologies. This very fine dust is generated mainly during sanding tasks or cutting and it is the most hazardous. Fine dust will also spread further from the cutting process. The quantity and type of wood dust that is released depends on the wood being processed, the machine that is used and the risk management measures that are installed.

Hazards that may occur

When workers inhale wood dust, it is deposited in the nose, throat and other airways. Exposure to wood dust can cause respiratory diseases, eye irritation, skin diseases and in case of prolonged exposure, cancer. An additional risk when processing wood is that wooden objects can contain other hazardous substances. In the manufacturing of most boards, for example, formaldehyde-containing resins are used. Co-exposure to hardwood dust and formaldehyde increases the risk of nasopharyngeal cancer..

The latency between exposure and wooddust related nose-cancer is estimated to be at least 20 years.

What you can do

Exposure can be reduced by consciously selecting the types of wood, equipment and working techniques. Localized extraction installations should be checked periodically. Ideally, wood processing machinery with integrated extraction systems should be used. Machinery should also have a preventive maintenance program to ensure proper operation throughout the life of the system. Perform proper exposure measurements periodically so it is known when and where actions should be taken. Investigate if workers report respiratory symptoms and involve an occupational physician. Best solution is to control exposure through design and engineering modifications, such as installing an exhaust ventilation system with collectors placed at points where dust is produced.

Workplace hygiene like removing dust from tables and floors is important and a crucial organisational measure. Cleaning away dust should be done in a way that exposure to and spreading of the dust is prevented by using industrial vacuum cleaners with HEPA filters and always avoiding dry sweeping and using compressed air.

Make workers continuously aware of the effects of exposure. In addition, train workers on hazards, safe work practices and on effective hygiene measures. Personal protective equipment, such as respirators, is a short-term solution for reducing exposure and should only be used as last resort.

Sources: IARC