157. Wood dust

Evaluation of health hazards as basis for an occupational exposure limit

Abstract

Wood dust is released during wood processing such as sawing, sanding and milling. The particles can be inhaled via the airways and can cause health complaints. The Nordic Expert Group for Criteria Documentation of Health Risk from Chemicals (NEG) and the Dutch Expert Committee on Occupational Safety (DECOS) have evaluated the health hazard for occupational exposure to wood dust. Subsequently, health-based calculated occupational cancer risk values (HBC-OCRVs) have been derived. The HBC-OCRVs form the basis for the legal limits to be established by the Nordic regulatory authorities and the Dutch government to protect workers from harmful health effects from exposure to wood dust.

This advice was at the request of the Nordic authorities and the Dutch ministry of Social Affairs and Employment. More information on the task of the committees can be found at www.nordicexpertgroup.org and www.healthcouncil.nl.