Contents
What health problems can wood dust cause?
Wood dust becomes a potential health problem when wood particles from processes such as sanding and cutting become airborne. Breathing these particles may cause allergic respiratory symptoms, mucosal and non-allergic respiratory symptoms, and cancer.
Can a person be allergic to wood?
While sensitization typically takes time and repeated exposure to develop, it is possible for some individuals to have an allergic reaction to a wood upon their first contact.
How long does wood dust stay in the air?
30 minutes
Once a 5-micron wood dust particle is stirred up, it will stay aloft for 30 minutes or longer, depending on air movement. Dust particles of less than 10 microns constitute the primary respiratory health risk to woodworkers.
Can cutting wood cause allergies?
Wood dust is also associated with toxic effects, irritation of the eyes, nose and throat, dermatitis, and respiratory system effects which include decreased lung capacity and allergic reactions.
Can old wood make you sick?
Exposure to excessive amounts of wood dust may irritate the eyes, nose, and throat. Workers may also experience shortness of breath, dryness and sore throat, conjunctivitis (inflammation of the mucous membranes of the eye), and rhinitis (runny nose). Dermatitis is common and may be caused by the chemicals in the wood.
Is breathing sawdust harmful?
Wood dust is a known human carcinogen. Certain woods and their dust contain toxins that can produce severe allergic reactions. Breathing airborne wood dust may cause allergic respiratory symptoms, mucosal and non-allergic respiratory symptoms, and cancer.
What are the risks of exposure to wood dust?
Breathing in dust is the most common type of exposure to wood dust. Getting dust in the eyes can cause irritation and damage. Skin contact with wood dust can cause ulceration of the skin, irritation and dermatitis. What causes high dust exposures? The following activities are likely to cause high dust exposures:
Which is the most common allergic reaction to wood dust?
The best-known reaction is to that of red cedar, to which five percent of workers are allergic. Wood dust is considered one of the top 10 causes of occupational asthma in the U.K.
Is there a link between lung cancer and wood dust?
Exposure to wood dust is associated with lung cancer but not all exposures are the same. While exposure on the job could be a problem, a hobby working with wood is relatively safe (at least from this angle). Hard woods (from deciduous trees) confer more risk than soft woods (from evergreens), and geographic location may factor in as well.
How is wood dust related to occupational asthma?
The best-known reaction is to that of red cedar, to which five percent of workers are allergic. Wood dust is considered one of the top 10 causes of occupational asthma in the U.K. Nasal symptoms, such as itching, dryness, and repeated episodes of sinusitis are linked to wood dust exposure, as well as coughing and wheezing.