The biggest health risk is from fine wood dust that can be breathed deep down into the lungs. Exposure to wood dust can cause a range of conditions associated with the human respiratory system including the following:
Occupational asthma - Breathing in wood dust can cause a person to develop an allergic reaction (respiratory sensitisation). Symptoms may include coughing, wheezing and chest tightness. Once a person has become sensitised to wood dust, it can trigger asthma symptoms when breathed in (occupational asthma). A person may have been at their place of work for weeks, months or even years before they start having asthma symptoms.
If an individual does develop asthma they should avoid further exposure to wood dust.
Rhinitis (inflammation of the inside of the nose) – a condition that results in a runny or stuffy nose and generally makes breathing more difficult. Rhinitis can be a sign of developing occupational asthma.
Nasal cancers can be caused by exposure to some hardwoods. Higher risks of nasal cancers have been found in workers exposed to wood dust.
Implementing good control measures will help prevent ill-health conditions from developing.
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