Wood dust and cancer
Wood dust, the fine particulate matter generated during the processing and handling of wood, is recognized as a known human carcinogen. It originates from various woodworking activities, such as cutting, sanding, and drilling, and can also arise from outdoor composting. Exposure to wood dust is primarily through inhalation, posing significant health risks to individuals working in industries like sawmills, woodworking shops, and carpentry.
Research has linked wood dust exposure to several types of cancer, including nasal adenocarcinoma, sinus squamous cell carcinoma, and lung cancer, with a notable increase in risk for woodworkers. The mechanisms by which wood dust contributes to cancer development are still being studied, but factors such as chronic inflammation and injury to nasal tissues are thought to play a role. Since the 1960s, evidence has accumulated regarding the carcinogenic nature of wood dust, leading to classifications by health organizations and implementation of safety regulations.
To mitigate risks, protective measures like dust masks, proper ventilation, and regular cleaning of work areas are advised for those who may encounter wood dust in their professions. Understanding these health implications is crucial for workers and employers to promote safer working environments.
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Subject Terms
Wood dust and cancer
ROC STATUS: Known human carcinogen since 2002
ALSO KNOWN AS: Sawdust, wood flour, sander dust
RELATED CANCERS: Cancer of the nasal cavities and sinuses, throat cancer, and lung cancer
DEFINITION: Wood dust is composed of fine particles of the hard, fibrous substance that grows beneath the bark of trees in their trunks and branches. Woodworking tools release many wood particles into the air. Electric and manual tools create wood dust when they chip, saw, turn, drill, sand, or carve wood. Outdoor compost piles also create visible clouds of wood dust when their layers of wood and leaves are agitated.
Exposure routes: Inhalation
Where found: Sawmills and other wood-processing mills, lumberyards, woodworking shops, furniture and cabinetmaking industry, carpentry industry, composting facilities
At risk: Woodworkers in manufacturing industries; wood products press operators; workers who handle wood compost; wood carvers
ETIOLOGY AND SYMPTOMS OF ASSOCIATED CANCERS: The carcinogenic actions of wood dust in the nose and sinuses are not well understood. Human studies indicate that exposure to wood dust is associated with nasal adenocarcinoma, sinus squamous cell carcinoma, and cancer of the nasopharynx. Although some population studies showed an association between wood dust exposure and cancers of the pharynx and larynx, findings across studies were mixed. In 2023, a systematic review of studies found that those in the woodworking professions also had a 40 percent increase in non-small cell lung cancer.
The active biological components of wood dust, cellulose, and lignins (substances that make wood rigid) might cause these cancers. Organic chemical components, such as resin acids, terpenes, and tannins, might also be involved. Also, the particulate nature of wood dust most likely adds to its carcinogenicity. Tissue injury, chronic inflammation, impairment of the nasal hairs (cilia) that prevent foreign bodies from being cleared, and transport of other carcinogenic elements or compounds have all been proposed as possible mechanisms.
Symptoms of these cancers include spontaneous epistaxis (nosebleed) and chronic obstruction of the nasal or sinus passages.
History: Studies in England in the 1960s showed that rare nasal cancers occurred in woodworkers. During a 1970s National Cancer Institute study, a high percentage of woodworkers died of these cancers.
In 1995, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classified wood dust as a Group 1 human carcinogen. In 2002, the National Toxicology Program of the Department of Health and Human Services declared wood dust a human carcinogen in the Tenth Report on Carcinogens (RoC). In the 2020s, the occupations of millions of people exposed them to the carcinogenic effects of wood dust, while over 230,000 were exposed throughout woodworking directly, according to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), the IARC, the Council of the European Union, and the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) have established occupational exposure limits. Their recommendations include avoidance, use of dust masks, daily removal of wood dust, and ventilation.
Bibliography
Alonso-Sardón, Montserrat, et al. "Association between Occupational Exposure to Wood Dust and Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis." PLoS ONE, vol. 10, no. 7, 2015, doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0133024. Accessed 15 June 2024.
Figueiras, Adolfo. "Wood Dust Exposure and Small Cell Lung Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis." Journal of Exposure Science & Environmental Epidemiology, 2023, pp. 1-8, doi.org/10.1038/s41370-023-00538-w. Accessed 15 June 2024.
International Agency for Research on Cancer. "Wood Dust." Arsenic, Metals, Fibres, and Dusts: A Review of Human Carcinogens. Vol. 100-C. Lyon: International Agency for Research on Cancer, 2012. 407–61.
Kauppinen, T., et al. "Occupational Exposure to Inhalable Wood Dust in the Member States of the European Union." Annals of Occupational Hygiene, vol. 50, 2006, pp. 549–61.
“Paranasal Sinus and Nasal Cavity Cancer Treatment.” National Cancer Institute, 17 Mar. 2023, www.cancer.gov/types/head-and-neck/patient/adult/paranasal-sinus-treatment-pdq. Accessed 15 June 2024.
United States. Dept. of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service, National Toxicology Program. Thirteenth Report on Carcinogens. Research Triangle Park: Dept. of Health and Human Services, 2014.
“Wood Dust - Cancer-Causing Substances.” National Cancer Institute, 8 Dec. 2022, www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/substances/wood-dust. Accessed 15 June 2024.
“Woodworkers: Occupational Outlook Handbook.” Bureau of Labor Statistics, 17 Apr. 2024, www.bls.gov/ooh/Production/Woodworkers.htm. Accessed 15 June 2024.