An investigation of wood dust exposure in Alberta sawmills

Wood dust is classified as a human carcinogen based on a marked excess of sino-nasal cancer among workers exposed primarily to hardwood dusts (IARC, 1994). This thesis evaluates the level of softwood dust exposure in Alberta sawmills.; From nine Alberta sawmills, 210 wood dust samples (inhalable) were collected with personal monitors using IOM (Institute of Occupational Medicine) sampler devices. Approximately 9% of samples exceeded the proposed ACGIH TLV (American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists Threshold Limit Value) of 5 mg/m3 TWA (time weighted average) for inhalable wood dust. "Cleanup" workers (a subset of sawmill workers) had statistically significant higher mean inhalable dust levels compared with the other subsets of sawmill workers. Thirty-two percent of samples for "cleanup" workers exceeded the proposed ACGIH TLV.; With particular attention to the "cleanup" workers, sawmills should review and update their wood dust control methods that include engineering controls, administrative controls, and personal protective equipment.