A CDC/NIOSH-indexed cohort re-analysis of 972 paper-mill workers found higher chronic-bronchitis incidence in mill workers, an increased hazard ratio for current mill work, and elevated chronic-bronchitis risk associated with current paper-dust exposure above 1 mg/m3; asthma was not associated with dust exposure in that analysis.
Source: CDC/NIOSH: Exposure to Paper Dust and the Onset of Asthma and Chronic Bronchitis ↗Dust entry
Paper-manufacturing dust
Dust generated during paper manufacturing and paper-mill work.
Airborne form
dust
The form describes what is suspended in air at the point of exposure. A material can produce more than one form, such as dust during handling and fume during heating.
Health effects
chronic bronchitisrespiratory disease concerncoughairway irritation
Evidence
A NIOSH newspaper-production HHE measured paper dust and found significantly higher chronic-bronchitis symptom rates among press-room workers than reel-room workers; it also reported reduced pulmonary-function performance with age and years of press work and dermatitis/eye irritation associated with oil mist and paper dust. The report did not establish an independent paper-dust effect.
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A respiratory symptom questionnaire and pulmonary function tests were administered to 187 workers. Press room workers were found to have a significantly higher rate of chronic bronchitis symptoms than reel room workers after adjusting for smoking history and age. Pulmonary function performance declined with age and years of press work, but these variables were so closely correlated that an independent effect for years of exposure could not be evaluated. Dermatitis and eye irritation due to oil mist and paper dust exposure were reported by 40% of the workers.
Controls
- enclosed paper processing
- local exhaust ventilation
- dust collection
- exposure monitoring
- appropriate respiratory protection