When wood products are worked on, dust and formaldehyde are released into the air. Prolonged exposure and inhalation of these products may cause cancer of the nasal cavity, sinuses and nasopharynx, as well as leukaemia.
It is estimated that around 16% of cancers of the nose and nasal sinuses in men and 2% in women could be due to exposure to wood dust.
What is wood dust?
Wood dust is produced via woodworking activities including the manufacture of wood products, machine operations, and hand or machine sanding.
Wood dust that has settled can be released back into the air when disturbed from activities such as removing dust from furniture, maintenance activities, or when cleaning equipment or sweeping floors.
What is formaldehyde?
Formaldehyde is a colourless, strong-smelling gas that is used in the production of glues for the manufacturing of pressed wood products. Pressed wood products include plywood, particleboard, and medium density fibreboard (MDF), commonly used for panelling, cabinets, shelving, and furniture. These products are made from breaking down softwood or hardwood into wood fibres that are then glued together with a formaldehyde-based resin.
Work and exposure to wood products
In 2010, it was reported that 14% of Australian workers (i.e. machinery operators, drivers, technicians, trades workers, labourers) were exposed to wood and related dust, and 13% were exposed to industrial and medical cases and fumes (formaldehyde included).2
Wood dust exposure is highest amongst woodworking machine operators, cabinet makers, furniture finishers, carpenters and workers employed in the manufacture of wood products. You may be exposed to wood dust and formaldehyde if your work involves cutting, sawing, routing, turning, sanding, or milling wood or pressed wood products.
