Combustible Dust Testing Services

Cinnaminson, New Jersey, July 11, 2024

Back in 1995, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classified wood dust as carcinogenic to humans. California’s Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment added wood dust to the list of substances known to the state to cause cancer for purposes of Proposition 65 in 2009. 

In the workplace, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) reports that wood dust becomes a potential health problem when wood particles from processes, such as sanding and cutting, become airborne. The agency goes on to warn that in addition to cancer concerns, breathing these particles may cause allergic respiratory symptoms, and mucosal and non-allergic respiratory symptoms. The extent of these hazards and the associated wood types have not been clearly established; however, western red cedar dust has been shown to cause asthma. 

“OSHA also cautions that the health effects associated with wood dust come not only from the wood dust itself, but also from biological organisms, such as mold, which can grow on wood,” said Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President of Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “Exposure to various chemicals used in the processing of some types of wood and wood products are yet another health concern. If that’s not enough, wood dust can also be a fire hazard and a combustible dust hazard under certain conditions. To protect workers, OSHA has set a Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) and NIOSH has a Recommended Exposure Limit (REL) for wood dust.”

To help companies comply with occupational respiratory protection standards and combustible dust regulations, EMSL Analytical offers industrial hygiene, environmental and material testing services. They also carry a comprehensive range of personal protective equipment (PPE) and real-time air monitoring instruments. EMSL has even sponsored an educational video about wood dust exposure risks that can be seen at: https://youtu.be/8vFkYJhVKZE

To learn more about this or other industrial hygiene, air quality and environmental testing services, or for access to monitoring instruments, testing supplies and PPE, please visit www.EMSL.com, call (800) 220-3675 or email info@EMSL.com.

About EMSL Analytical, Inc.

EMSL Analytical is one of the leading testing laboratories with locations throughout the United States and Canada. EMSL is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider specializing in fast laboratory results for mold, bacteria, Legionella, USP <797>, pathogens, asbestos, lead, soot, char & ash from fires, VOCs, odors, radon, formaldehyde, indoor air quality, microbiology, environmental, industrial hygiene, radiological, food, beverage & consumer products and material testing services for the identification of unknown substances. EMSL services both professionals and the general public. EMSL maintains an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies including, but not limited to A2LA, AIHA LAP, LLC. (AIHA EMLAP, AIHA IHLAP, AIHA ELLAP), NVLAP, CDC ELITE, CPSC, CA ELAP, NY ELAP, TX DOH, NJDEP and multiple other state accrediting agencies. Please visit our website at www.EMSL.com for a complete listing of accreditations. In addition, EMSL carries a wide range of Sampling Equipment and Investigative Products for environmental professionals.