A research project focused on occupational exposure to wood dust and the related health effects (Risk Assessment of Wood Dust: Assessment of Exposure, Health Effects, and Biological Mechanisms; acronym: WOOD-RISK) was run in 2001-2004, with support received from the European Union (Project# QLK4-2000-00573; FP5-LIFE QUALITY, Key action Environment and Health). The WOOD-RISK project was coordinated by the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health (FIOH), with four other participating institutes.
The WOOD-RISK Project generated up-to-date (2000-2003) estimates for occupational exposure to wood dust in Europe (WOODEX Reports). In addition, the Project successfully conducted a series of biomedical studies exploring cellular and molecular mechanisms by which wood dust may induce health effects such as airway inflammation and cancer.
To aid in hazard control, exposure surveillance, and assessment of health risks, the WOOD-RISK Project created a common database (WOODRISK), which combines the occupational exposure data collected from the EU countries with literature and other research data available on major types of health effects associated with exposure to wood dust. These sets of data are now accessible at this website.
The WOOD-RISK project: Publications and Partners
Occupational exposure to wood dust
Health effects of wood dust
Other links
Contact information
Please address comments and questions about WOODRISK to Antti Zitting.