Effects of personal exposures on pulmonary function and work-related symptoms among sawmill workers

Three green mills and two dry mills were studied for personal exposure to w ood dust and biohazards associated with wood dust and their correlation to lung function and work-related symptoms among sawmill workers. The levels o f exposure to endotoxin, (1 --> 3)-beta-D-glucan, bacteria and fungi were h igh in green mills compared with dry mills. Compared with dry mill workers, green mill workers had significantly high prevalence of regular cough, chr onic bronchitis, regular blocked nose, regular sneezing, sinus problems, fl u-like symptoms, and eye and throat irritation. Significant positive correl ations were found among endotoxin and Gram (-)ve bacteria, (1 --> 3)-beta-D -glucan and fungi, and endotoxin and (1 --> 3)-beta-D-glucan exposure level s. Significant dose-response relationships were found for personal exposure s and lung function, and lung function and work-related respiratory symptom s. The significant correlations found for respirable fractions show that no t only inhalable but also respirable fractions are important in determining potential health effects of exposure to wood dust. The management and empl oyees of the sawmilling industry should be educated on the potential health effects of wood dust. Wood dust should be controlled at the source. (C) 20 00 British Occupational Hygiene Society. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.