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<p /> <p /> <p>I have been asked to respond as this falls under the remit of the Health
and Safety Executive (HSE).</p><p> </p><p>Wood dust can cause non-reversible health
problems including skin disorders, obstruction of the nose and rhinitis, asthma and
nasal cancer. There are appropriate workplace controls and HSE provides comprehensive
guidance for employers on these.</p><p> </p><p>Exposure to wood dust in workplaces
is regulated by the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (as
amended) which require exposures to be reduced as far below the Workplace Exposure
Limit as is reasonably practicable. Suitable control measures may include local exhaust
ventilation, on-tool extraction systems and in some cases respiratory protective equipment.
Workers will usually require health surveillance checks.</p><p> </p><p>HSE has recently
commissioned a new study to update the evidence base for wood dust exposure and health
effects in the UK construction and woodworking industries. The study will run over
the next 2-3 years and is being undertaken by the Health and Safety Laboratory with
support and assistance from industry.</p>
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