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. Most studies have been conducted in workers processing western red cedar, showing associations between dust exposure and both symptoms and
lung function. 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, and several other studies (mainly in furniture workers) have shown similar results. In furniture workers, associations
between wood dust exposure and both baseline lung function (forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1)) and reduced crossshift
lung function (FEV1) have also been
described, with the effects being most pronounced
among pine workers [7, 8].