Wood Dust
exposure testing

Exposure to wood dust results in an increase in lung diseases such as Asthma, COPD and Cancer.

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Carpenters and joiners are four times more likely to develop these diseases as they are working closely with wood dust on a very regular basis.

Both hard and soft wood dusts act as respiratory sensitisers. A respiratory sensitiser is a substance which, when it is breathed in, can lead to occupational asthma - an allergic reaction in the lungs.

Once a person has developed asthma, or has been 'sensitised', any further exposure to the substance can then produce the same reaction.

Additionally hard wood dust exposure can lead to the development of specific cancers.

As an employer, you are responsible for taking effective measures to control exposure and protect health.

ActionsActions and advice

Both hardwood and softwood dusts have a total inhalable Workplace Exposure Limit (WEL) of 5mg/m3 which must not be exceeded. These limits are created based on the amount of dust in the air, averaged over a typical eight-hour working day.

Once an assessment has been carried out to measure the exposure levels any actions should then be taken to either reduce or control exposure as part of an ongoing monitoring regime.

Click here to learn more about the hazards assocaited with wood dust exposure.

HelpHow can we help?

Our consultants are here to help you with advice and guidance. We offer a free consultation service to identify an appropriate exposure sampling and monitoring regime that will ensure you meet regulatory compliance.

We will then provide you with a no obligation proposal to attend your premises to carryout the site exposure assessment based on the monitoring regime most appropriate for your organisation.

For further help call us on 0870 7019170 or email: sales@euroenvironmental.co.uk

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Knowledge Centre Article

Expand your knowledge on this topic by reading our informative article

Navigating the Risks of Wood Dust Exposure
Navigating the Risks of Wood Dust Exposure

2023-11-27

Carpenters and joiners are four times more likely to get asthma and other lung diseases due to working closely with wood dust on a very regular basis.

Other conditions can also develop particularly from hardwood dust such as Cancer - particularly of the nose which is why it’s very important to be aware of the workplace exposure limits and controls that should be in place to protect your staff and meet regulatory compliance. 

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