Wood and timber processing is a major industry worldwide. Exposure to wood dust originating from a wide range of
different tree species is associated with sinonasal cancer and respiratory health effects [1]. Most studies have been conducted in workers processing western red cedar, showing associations between dust exposure and both symptoms and
lung function [2]. In a previous study among 772 sawmill workers, it was demonstrated that pine sawmilling was associated with an increased prevalence of asthma and cough symptoms, and eye and nose irritation [3], and several other studies (mainly in furniture workers) have shown similar results [4–6]. In furniture workers, associations
between wood dust exposure and both baseline lung function (forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1)) [4, 7] and reduced crossshift
lung function (FEV1) have also been
described, with the effects being most pronounced
among pine workers [7, 8].