Abstract

While the specific agent responsible for occupational asthma caused by exposure to red and white cedar is known, exposure in Québec sawmills is primarily to black spruce, balsam fir, and grey pine. The specific agent responsible for occupational asthma associated with exposure to these woods is unknown. The air inside and outside sawmills was therefore sampled and analyzed. In cases where air samples tested negative, wood samples were ground up and analyzed.

The researchers were able to use the results of this study to formulate recommendations aimed at reducing exposure to agents responsible for occupational asthma in sawmills.