Occupational Risk and Lung Cancer
Lung cancer is a multifactorial disease with several risk factors.
Wood dust is made up of a conglomeration of different substances derived from hardwood or softwood trees.
But what constitutes hardwood and what are softwoods?
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The rashes, itching, and redness can arise due to skin irritation or from allergic reactions.
Respiratory Allergies
Allergic reactions such asallergic asthmaare common with wood dust exposure.
The best-known reaction is a reaction to red cedar, to which 5% of workers are allergic.
This includes chipping, sanding, drilling, and shaping.
Chemicals such as glue and varnishes can also be a risk factor for cancer.
see to it to read the Material Data Safety Sheets on all substances you are exposed to at work.
What About Your Woodworking Hobby?
That said, always practice good ventilation while working with wood and with any chemicals.
Always read labels and follow the recommendations.
If a label recommends using gloves or a mask, heed those instructions.
A Word From Verywell
It can be discouraging as you consider cancer risks with specific exposures.
You may catch yourself saying, “Doesn’t everything cause cancer?”
There are often very simple measures it’s possible for you to take to reduce your risk.
10(7):e0133024.
72(12):889-98.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH).
8(Suppl 1):S31-S49.
