Exposing the cancer risk for woodworkers

A rare but lethal cancer

Sinonasal carcinoma is a relatively rare cancer, and at the time, I knew little about it. But after reviewing international studies of the disease, particularly from Scandinavia, I realised how understudied it is and how little awareness there is among workers in woodworking industries.

It has a significant occupational link through exposure to wood dust – particularly hardwood dust. It affects the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses, which are the hollow spaces in the bones around the nose.

With protective equipment standards improving, global incidences of this lethal cancer have been decreasing across the world, except in Denmark. A study published in 2013 found the average annual incidence of sinonasal cancer was typically between 5 and 10 per million in males and between 2 and 5 per million in females over a four-year period in the early 2000s.

But despite the relatively low incidence rate, prevention depends on awareness and deploying good safety protocols, so don’t be complacent if you work around wood dust.

Across Australia, there are several industries known for high levels of wood dust exposure, including:

• Carpentry and joinery: Workers in these fields frequently cut, sand, and shape wood, generating substantial dust.
• Furniture production: This industry involves extensive machining and finishing of wood, leading to significant dust exposure.
• Sawmilling and wood planing: These processes produce large quantities of wood dust, especially from hardwoods.
• Cabinet making and shopfitting: Like furniture production, this detailed woodwork generates lots of dust.
• Timber flooring installation: Sanding and cutting timber floors can release considerable dust.
• Paper mill workers: Paper manufacturing uses large quantities of wood pulp.

Impact on individuals

My research and professional experience in sinonasal carcinoma has taught me just how profound the impact of this cancer is on people.

Symptoms can include nasal obstruction, nosebleeds, and facial pain. More significant is the effect it has on quality of life.

A sinonasal cancer diagnosis typically involves a combination of imaging studies and biopsies, which can be both complex and invasive.

Treatment varies depending on the stage and extent of the cancer but often includes surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. These treatments can be physically and emotionally demanding, leading to long recovery periods and potential complications.

Also, the proximity of sinonasal tumours to critical organs like the eyes and brain can complicate any surgical intervention.

Acknowledging that wood dust exposure is a serious and often unrecognised occupational hazard is important. Only better information and education will reduce the risk of sinonasal cancer for woodworkers and ensure safe, long lives for workers.

What to do if you work around wood dust

If you are concerned about your exposure to wood dust, see your GP. It is important that you inform them of your occupation and exposure levels so they have all the necessary information.

If you have been diagnosed with a wood dust-related condition you believe could be connected to workplace exposure, contact our specialist dust diseases team immediately for legal advice to help you understand your rights and options and get the compensation you deserve.

* Name changed to protect the client’s privacy