Industry news
Funds for nasal cancer risk study
Posted Mon, 27 Jun 2011
Research examining the connection between working with wood dust and nasal cancer has secured new funding, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) reveals.
The six-month-study, which is due to begin this month, will follow on from the findings of the earlier study 'Occupational Exposure to Wood Dust in the British Woodworking Industry', which was published more than a decade ago.
The new study will examine whether there are any new areas which may carry woodworking risks; changes to the industry; and whether there are any similarities in enquiries to the HSE.
Tours to poor performers identified in the previous study will also be carried out to note any improvements, such as the introduction of Face Fit Testing and airflow indicators, as well as new visits to businesses to assess if further work needs to be carried out at a later date.
A spokesperson for HSE said: "The relationship between wood dust and nasal cancer is well known and there are an estimated 50 cases per year."
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