Abstract

Wood is processed worldwide, and occupational exposure to wood dust is affecting millions of workers. Studies have identified wood dust as a risk factor for non-malignant respiratory diseases consistent with both an allergic and a non-allergic origin. This paper summarizes our current knowledge on the importance of specific sensitization among subjects occupationally exposed to wood dust. Specific sensitization to wood dust exists, but is probably of minor importance for most wood species. In order to move the research field forward increased focus on more standardized tools for specific IgE (sIgE) diagnostics is needed and more specific tools are necessary to identify clinical relevant cases of wood dust sensitization. Moreover epidemiological studies on the occurrence of sIgE-mediated sensitization in different populations of woodworkers are needed.

German version published in Allergologie, Vol. 35, No. 8/2012, pp. 402-412

Author Details

Authors

• V. Schlünssen¹
• T. Sigsgaard¹
• M. Raulf-Heimsoth²
• S. Kespohl²

Departments

• ¹ Department of Public Health, Unit of Environmental and Occupational Medicine, Aarhus, Denmark,
• ² Institut für Prävention und Arbeitsmedizin der Deutschen Gesetzlichen Unfallversicherung, Institut der Ruhr-Universität Bochum (IPA), Bochum

Address

Vivi Schlünssen, MD, PhD
Department of Public Health
Unit of Environmental and Occupational Medicine
Aarhus University
Bartholins Allé 2, bg 1260
8000 Aarhus C, Dänemark
Email: [email protected]

Citation