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Wood Dust |
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| Evaluation |
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There are a number of ways to check the workplace for airborne wood dust.
However, the only way to be certain of excessive exposure levels is to monitor the air for wood dust
and compare the results with the relevant occupational exposure levels.
The following links provide information about evaluating the level of wood dust
in the workplace.
OSHA
- Chemical Sampling Information. Includes recommended exposure
limits and sampling and analysis methods.
NIOSH
-
Particulates Not Otherwise Regulated, Total. Method 500, Issue 2, (1994, August 15), 19 KB
PDF, 3 pages.
Occupational Exposure Levels
Several organizations have set standards or given recommendations for
wood dust exposure. These include OSHA, NIOSH, and the American Conference of Governmental
Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH).
| Organization |
OEL |
8 Hour TWA |
Basis |
| OSHA |
Permissible
Exposure Limit
Particulate Not Otherwise Regulated
(PNOR) |
15 mg/m3
total
5 mg/m3 Respirable |
Throat, skin, eye irritation,
upper respiratory problems |
| NIOSH |
Recommended
Exposure Limit |
1 mg/m3 total |
Pulmonary Function,
Carcinogen |
| TLV ACGIH 2007 |
Western Red Cedar |
0.5 mg/m3 |
Asthma |
ACIGH
2007 |
All other species |
1 mg/m3 |
Pulmonary Function |
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