Occupational exposure to wood dust - legal aspects and preventive strategies.

Abstract

Occupational exposure to wood dust is a major public health and occupational safety concern, particularly in woodworking, furniture production, and the wood-based materials industry. Its carcinogenic, allergenic, and toxic potential depends on wood species, physicochemical properties, processing methods, and applied chemical treatments. The aim of this review was to analyze occupational exposure to wood dust by synthesizing current evidence on worker health risks, measurement methods, legal regulations, and preventive strategies, in order to evaluate the adequacy of existing solutions and identify areas requiring further improvement. The review is based on 61 literature sources: publications, legal acts, official guidelines from international and national institutions (International Agency for Research on Cancer, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists, European Agency for Safety and Health at Work, Statistics Poland, Nofer Institute of Occupational Medicine, Polish Ministry of Health). Sources published 2010-2024 were analyzed with particular focus on dust characteristics, exposure limits, measurement methods, preventive measures, and regulatory frameworks. Exposure to wood dust contributes to both acute and chronic respiratory conditions, skin and eye irritation, and a higher incidence of upper respiratory tract cancers. Recent regulatory changes have expanded the classification of wood dust as a carcinogen to include all species. Despite existing occupational exposure limits (OELs), exceedances remain common in woodworking industries. Conventional monitoring methods may underestimate respirable and ultrafine particles (UFP <100 nm), which pose substantial health risks. Preventive strategies - including technical controls, ventilation, personal protective equipment, and medical surveillance - significantly reduce airborne dust concentrations and worker exposure. Findings indicate a need to update OELs and harmonize regulations with current scientific evidence. Effective prevention requires integrating legal requirements, engineering controls, process automation, and medical and educational interventions. Strengthening national standards within the European Union regulatory framework and improving measurement methods - especially for inhalable and ultrafine fractions - are essential to ensuring adequate worker protection. Med Pr Work Health Saf. 2026;77(1):61-70.