Exposure Assessment to α- and β-Pinene, Δ3-Carene and Wood Dust in Industrial Production of Wood Pellets

The main aim of the study was to measure the exposure to monoterpenes (α- and β-pinene and ∆3-carene) and wood dust during industrial production of wood pellets and briquettes. Additional aims were to compare the results from wood dust sampled on a filter with real time measurements using a direct reading instrument and to identify peak exposures to dust. Twenty-four men working at six companies involved in industrial production of wood pellets and briquettes participated in the study. Monoterpenes were measured by diffusive sampling and wood dust was measured as total dust. A data logger (DataRAM) was used for continuous monitoring of dust concentration for 18 of the participants. The sampling time was ∼8 h. The personal exposure to monoterpenes ranged from 0.64 to 28 mg/m3 and a statistically significant (Kruskal–Wallis test, P = 0.0002) difference in levels of monoterpenes for workers at different companies was seen. In the companies the personal exposure to wood dust varied between 0.16 and 19 mg/m3 and for 10 participants the levels exceeded the present Swedish occupational exposure limit (OEL) of 2 mg/m3. The levels of wood dust during the morning shift were significantly (Mann–Whitney test, P = 0.04) higher compared with the afternoon shift. Continuous registration of dust concentration showed peak values for several working operations, especially cleaning of truck engines with compressed air. For 24 workers in six companies involved in industrial production of wood pellets the personal exposure to monoterpenes was low and to wood dust high compared with the present Swedish OEL and previous studies in Swedish wood industries. Since the DataRAM can identify critical working tasks with high wood dust exposure a reduction in exposure levels could probably be achieved by changes in working routines and by the use of protective equipment.