YUMA, AZ - The Institute for Safety and Health Management (ISHM) has produced a video focusing on the potential hazards of worker exposure to wood dust.

Wood dust is listed as a human carcinogen and a combustible dust concern.

Larry Curtis, executive director of the ISHM, said, “Several entities have set standards, or given recommendations, for wood dust exposure. These include OSHA, NIOSH, and the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH). Health effects associated with worker exposure to wood dust comes not only from the wood dust itself, but also from biological organisms such as mold that can grow on the wood. Chemicals, including formaldehyde, copper naphthanate, and pentachlorophenol, are also sometimes used in the processing of some woods and are yet another health risk to workers. We hope this new video helps to educate workers, managers and the public about the risks associated with exposure to wood dust.”