Wood dust increases lung cancer risk

Exposure to wood dust increases the chances of developing not only nasal cancer but also lung cancer.Researchers from the University of Texas, Houston found that wood dust was designated as a human carcinogen based on increased sinus and nasal cancer rates among exposed workers. However, data on an association with lung cancer have been inconclusive.In a study of 1368 lung cancer patients and 1192 cancer-free adults, the researchers assessed wood dust exposure based on employment in wood dust-related occupations and industries and self-reported regular exposure to wood dust for at least a year. In total, 262 subjects were categorized as having been exposed to wood dust.The investigators found that the risk of lung cancer was three times higher for subjects involved in wood dust-related occupations and industries. For all categories of wood-dust exposure, the risk was increased by 60 per cent compared with no exposure.The team notes that there appears to be a biologic interaction between wood dust exposure and cigarette smoking.The risk of lung cancer was increased by 57 per cent with wood dust exposure in absence of smoking, by 71 per cent for smoking in the absence of wood dust exposure, and by 187 per cent for individuals who were exposed to both smoking and wood dust.