The manipulation of wood through practices such as sawing and cutting can cause dust. The IARC (International Agency for Research on Cancer) identifies wood dust as carcinogenic (cancer causing) to humans [1] in addition to having other adverse effects including dermatitis and respiratory issues.
IECL can provide an environmental assessment to and wood dust testing to determine concentrations. Surrogate testing of wood dust assumes that all dust being collected is from an obvious source (such as sawing), and measures total particulate levels of PM10, PM2.5 and ultrafine particulate. More detailed monitoring of the respirable zone of workers can also be conducted if required.
The current Australian Occupational Exposure Standard for wood dust is 1mg/m3 (8hr TWA) (Certain hardwoods such as beech & oak) and 5mg/m3 (8hr TWA) (softwood) [2]. The Queensland Government ITD Guidelines – A Practical Handbook for ITD Staff [3] lists some commonly used Australian timber species and their associated health hazards.
Once investigations have been completed recommendations for mitigating and managing exposure within your property or workplace can be provided by one of IECL Consultants.
Please don’t hesitate to call our friendly staff who are able to assist you with a quote.
References
- WHO International Agency for Research on Cancer (1995). “IARC Monographs on the Evaluation of Carcinogenic Risks to Humans – Volume 62 Wood Dust and Formaldehyde”. ISBN 978-92-832-1262-1
- Safe work Australia (2013) “Workplace Exposure Standards for Airborne Contaminants”. ISBN 978-1-74361-055-8
- Queensland Government (2012) “ITD Guidelines – A Practical Handbook for ITD Staff“.