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Study of respiratory health among sawmill workers: Final report – Pilot study sampling results
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Issue: |
Exposure to inhalable wood dust, resin acids, monoterpenes and bioaerosols. |
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Agency: |
University of British Columbia, Occupational Hygiene Program. |
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Representatives: |
Dr. Paul Demers, Dr. Susan Kennedy, Dr. Kay Teschke |
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Funding: |
$30,000 |
This study was designed to establish feasible and reliable methods for the sampling and analysis of inhalable wood dust, resin acids, monoterpenes, and bioaerosols in sawmills. Although the data collected were of an exploratory nature and the number of samples collected too small to characterize exposures reliably, the results did indicate that there were high airborne mould and bacteria concentrations in both sawmills in which the study was conducted. The differences of exposure level to chemicals might be due to factors such as tree species, log and lumber storage techniques and conditions. The results of this work will be used as part of a larger study designed to examine the potential health effects of sawmill workers.