Module 4: Organic Dusts - Health Effects Of Wood Dust
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HEALTH EFFECTS OF WOOD DUST :

Respiratory Symptoms General Symptoms Skin Symptoms
Upper airways Bronchial system Lung parenchyma    
* Nasal hypersecretion;
obstruction;
reduced nasal clearance		 * Asthma
(Type 1 or delayed type) caused by: African maple, cedar, cherry, redwood, iroko, other.		 * Extrinsic allergic alveolitis
Caused by fungi in bark/wood flour (Penicilium, Mucor, Aspergillus, Thermoactinomyces)		 * Organic dust toxic syndrome (ODTS) * Contact dermatitis
Due to the toxic effects of dust particles
* Olfactory dysfunction *Hyperreactive airways
 *Lung function impairment
Decreased DLCO, FVC		   *Erythema-multiforme like reactions
Due to tropical woods, resins & wood preservatives: alkaloids, quinones, catechols, terpenes, glycosides
* Increased degree of metaplastic changes of nasal mucosa * Chronic bronchitis      
* Nasopharyngeal cancer
- Ethmoidal sinuses common
- Types: Adeno (ethmoidal)
            Squamous (maxillary)
            Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma
- Woods: Hardwood (beech, oak), Softwood		 * Lung function impairment (smokers and non-smokers)- Lower FEV1, FEV1/FVC      
Note:
* Health effects due to alkaloids, acids or other natural constituents present in particles caused by sanding, sawing, lathing wood preservatives.
* Distinguish between the commercial name and scientific name to ascertain health effects.
* Special examinations: allergic skin and serum tests, spirometry, bronchial challenge tests (histamine/metacholine or specific wood), nasal biopsy (carcinoma).
* Skin prick testing with wood extracts have a low predictive value for occupational asthma (IgE not raised).
* For fungi: positive history of exposure obtained by detection of fungal contaminants in air or precipitins in serum.

REFERENCES:

  1. Flechsig R and Nedo G. Review - Hazardous health effects of occupational exposure to wood dust. Industrial Health, 1990, 28, 107-119.
  2. Chan-Yeung M. Western red cedar and other wood dusts. Asthma in the Workplace. Eds Bernstein IL, Chan-Yeung M, Malo JL and Bernstein DI. Marcel Decker Inc. (2nd ed) 1999; 29:543-564.

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