LUMBER-INDUSTRY
WOOD-DUSTS
RESPIRATORY-SYSTEM-DISORDERS

LUNG HEALTH IN SAWMILL WORKERS EXPOSED TO PINE AND SPRUCE

Lung function and respiratory symptoms were evaluated in 94 male workers at a pine and spruce processing sawmill in west central Alberta. Respirable particle concentrations at the sawmill were below the occupational exposure limit of 5mg/m3. Reductions in lung function were seen in sawmill workers in comparison to oilfield workers; current smokers showed the largest differences. Shortness of breath and wheeze with chest tightness were more common in sawmill workers than in the other workers. Histories of acute bronchitis and asthma were reported significantly more often in sawmill workers with more than 3 years of employment. The authors conclude that airway dysfunction causing a degree of airway obstruction occurred at respirable dust levels below the occupational standard.

Chest, 108(3):642-646, 1995. (14 references)

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