Hardwood dust is considered carcinogenic within the European Union. These particles are released into the air following the processing of trees generally belonging to the broadleaf family: cherry, beech, oak, mahogany, rosewood, ebony, and walnut. A 2017 directive (number 2398) limits exposure to hardwood dust in sawmills, carpentry shops, and other woodworking operations to a threshold not to be exceeded: 2 mg/m3 over an eight-hour work shift.
Where it hits
The areas of the body most exposed to the risks of hardwood dust are the pharynx and the nasal-sinus cavities, where they can cause a adenocarcinoma of the nasal passages and paranasal sinuses.
Naso-sinus tumors
One of the most serious diseases that can arise from excessive, unprotected contact with wood dust is sinus cancer. The symptoms are clear:
- Nasal obstruction
- Nosebleed
- A blocked nostril
- Tingling in the face
- Compression pain in one ear
- Swollen lymph nodes in the neck
- Eyeball that protrudes abnormally
- Tearing teacher
- frequent headache, never previously charged
- Swelling of the gums or palate
Other pathologies related to wood dust
Aside from sinonasal cancer, there are other pathologies linked to excessive exposure to wood: allergic dermatitis, bronchial asthma, chronic bronchitis, eye irritation (with burning and redness of the eyes), conjunctivitis, organic dust toxic syndrome (ODTS).
Prevention
The first preventive measure required for people exposed to the risks of woodworking is a dust extraction system that minimizes airborne dust that can then penetrate the human body. Other preventive measures include: avoiding accumulations of hardwood dust in the workplace, the use of personal protective equipment, and dust removal through pipes dedicated to its suction.
Read also:
- Asbestos: What Happens When You Breathe It?
- Crystalline silica: when it is dangerous and how to avoid its damage
- How to improve air quality
- PFAS: What They Are and How to Reduce Them
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