Western red cedar, dust

Agent Name
Western red cedar, dust
Major Category
Biological Agents
Synonyms
Thuja plicata
Category
Wood Dusts & Extracts
Comments
Occupational asthma reported in a carpenter, cabinet maker, and sawmill worker; [Malo] Allergic contact dermatitis and asthma have been reported. [ILO Encyclo: Woodworking Processes, Table 1] "TLV Basis" is asthma for Western red cedar. Workers had significant declines in lung function when exposed to 0.3 mg/m3, but not when exposed to 0.13 mg/m3 total dust. Prevalence of asthma increased from 5% to 15% in workers exposed to <1 mg/m3 versus >2 mg/m3 total dust. [ACGIH] See "Wood dust, all soft and hard woods."
Biomedical References

Exposure Assessment

Skin Designation (ACGIH)
No
TLV (ACGIH)
0.5 mg/m3, inhalable partculate matter

Adverse Effects

Skin Sensitizer
Yes
Asthma
Yes
IARC Carcinogen
Established
NTP Carcinogen
Human carcinogen
ACGIH Carcinogen
Not Classifiable

Diseases, Processes, and Activities Linked to This Agent

Diseases

Occupational diseases associated with exposure to this agent:

Activities

Activities with risk of exposure: