HEALTH RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH HUMAN EXPOSURE TO WOOD DUST IN SOME NIGERIAN SAW-MILLS

Abstract

Assessment of physical health status of wood workers in 7 saw-mills were conducted via questionnaire. Microbiological analysis of air-borne dust and settled sawdust in the sawmill environments were investigated as possible predisposing factor to ill health. A total of 258 saw mill workers and 63 controls with mean age 32.26"8.73 years (mean “S.D) and 32.24"10.04 years respectively were interviewed via questionnaire. A significant difference in average symptoms of ill-health between saw mill workers and control (P<0.001) also a significant difference between male and female saw mill workers (P<0.01) were observed. Respiratory symptoms:cough, tightness of chest and shortness of breath were positively correlated with the age of sawmill workers. A significant difference in the respiratory symptoms between tobacco smoking and non-tobacco smoking saw mill workers (P<0.005) was observed. The pathogenic bacteria isolated from the sawmill environments included Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Clostridium sp, Bacillus cergueus, Bacillus sp, Proteus mirabilis. Fungi isolated included Aspergillus, fumigatus Mucor sp, and Pennicllium sp. The high frequency of symptoms of ill health reported among saw mill workers in this study could have a direct relationship with the pathogenic micro organisms isolated and some other physical and chemical substances that are usually associated with wood dust.