Woodworking industry - 676 entradas encontradas

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• Woodworking industry

2011

CIS 12-0116 Bhatti P., Newcomer L., Onstad L., Teschke K., Camp J., Morgan M., Vaughan T.L.
Wood dust exposure and risk of lung cancer
This study investigated whether a history of wood dust exposure through occupational and hobby-related activities was associated with increased lung cancer risk. It was conducted in the form of a population-based case-control study, with 440 cases and 845 age-matched controls. Using detailed work and personal histories, quantitative estimates of cumulative exposure to wood dust (thought to be primarily from softwood) were calculated for each participant. Using unconditional logistic regression adjusted for age and smoking status, risk of lung cancer was examined in relation to employment in wood-related occupations, working with wood as a hobby, as well as cumulative wood dust exposure that took into account both occupational and hobby-related sources. While an increased risk of lung cancer associated with working in a sawmill (odds ratio 5.1) was observed, there was no evidence of increased risks with other occupations, working with wood as a hobby or with estimated cumulative exposure to wood dust. Other findings are discussed.
Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Aug. 2011, Vol.68, No.8, p.599-604. 38 ref.
Wood_dust_exposure_[BUY_THIS_ARTICLE] [en inglés]

CIS 11-0887 Gagnon I.
Manual handling and training - Contribution of ergonomic analysis
Manutention et formation - L'apport de l'analyse ergonomique [en francés]
This article describes an ergonomic intervention aimed at reducing musculoskeletal hazards among manual handling workers at a Quebec, Canada sawmill. The intervention consisted of an ergonomic analysis of workplaces based on observations, together with training drawing from the knowledge of experienced workers.
Travail et santé, Sep. 2011, Vol.27, No.3, p.38-42. Illus. 6 ref.

CIS 11-0801 Recommendations for the occupational health surveillance of workers exposed to the carcinogenic effect of wood dust
Recommandations pour la surveillance médico-professionnelle des travailleurs exposés à l'effet cancérogène des poussières de bois [en francés]
Developed by the French society for occupational medicine, these recommendations for the occupational health surveillance of workers exposed to the carcinogenic effects of wood dust are presented in this article as a short version as well as in the form of a summary sheet. Appendices include a check-list for the medical surveillance of exposed workers and medical information to be provided prior to conducting a nasal fibroscopy for sinonasal adenocarcinoma screening.
Documents pour le médecin du travail, 2nd quarter 2011, No.126, p.199-212. 3 ref.
TM_17.pdf [en francés]

CIS 11-0341 Schlünssen V., Kespohl S., Jacobsen G., Raulf-Heimsoth M., Schaumburg I., Sigsgaard T.
Immunoglobulin E-mediated sensitization to pine and beech dust in relation to wood dust exposure levels and respiratory symptoms in the furniture industry
Wood dust exposure may cause imunoglobulin E (IgE)-mediated allergic diseases. The objectives of this study were to estimate pine and beech dust sensitization rates among woodworkers and a reference group, explore the association between exposure and sensitization and between sensitization and respiratory symptoms, and finally investigate the impact of proteinogenic specific IgE (sIgE) epitopes on respiratory symptoms. In a Danish study conducted in 52 furniture factories and two reference factories, workers' asthma and rhinitis status were evaluated using questionnaires and blood samples collected from 1506 woodworkers and 195 references. Workers with asthma symptoms (N=298), a random study sample (N=399) and a random rhinitis sample (N=100) were evaluated for IgE-mediated sensitization to pine and beech dust. The prevalence of pine and beech sensitization among current woodworkers was 1.7 and 3.1%, respectively. No differences in sensitization rates were found between woodworkers and references, but the prevalence of wood dust sensitization was dose-dependently associated with the current level of wood dust exposure. No relation was observed between wood dust sensitization per se and respiratory symptoms. Only symptomatic subjects had proteinogenic IgE epitopes to pine. Increased odds ratios for sIgE based on proteinogenic epitopes to beech and respiratory symptoms were found, although they were not statistically significant.
Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment and Health, Mar. 2011, Vol.37, No.2, p.159-167. Illus. 44 ref.

2010

CIS 11-0848 Granström K.M.
Underestimation of terpene exposure in the Nordic wood industry
This study determined that emission of sesquiterpenes from processed wood warrants attention in the work environment. Currently, only the monoterpenes in the terpene group are monitored in occupational hygiene studies. Terpene emissions are a work environment issue for industries that process wood, as they are known to cause respiratory difficulties and mucous membrane irritation. Fresh sawdust of the most common boreal conifers, Norway spruce (Picea abies) and Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris), was subjected to processing (drying), and the emissions were analyzed with a gas chromatograph-mass spectrometer. The data indicate that workers are exposed to significant amounts of sesquiterpenes, an observation that has not been recorded previously at wood processing plants. On average, the proportion of sesquiterpenes to monoterpenes was 21 ± 5% for spruce and 15 ± 5% for pine. The composition of terpenes emitted in air from spruce wood differs from the composition in resin. The sum of monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes can exceed the occupational exposure limit for turpentine for processes where monoterpene concentrations are already close to the occupational exposure limit, and for processes involving the processing of bark. Findings suggest that future studies of health effects from terpenes in air should measure monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes to assess whether the current OELs are appropriate.
Journal of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene, Mar. 2010, Vol.7, No.3, p.144-151. Illus. 31 ref.
Underestimation_of_terpene_exposure.pdf [en inglés]

CIS 11-0363 Thetkathuek A., Yingratanasuk T., Demers P.A., Thepaksorn P., Saowakhontha S., Keifer M.C.
Rubberwood dust and lung function among Thai furniture factory workers
The objective of this study was to assess factors affecting lung function among 685 workers in the rubberwood (Hevea brasiliensis) furniture industry in two provinces of eastern Thailand. Study data were gathered using questionnaires, by sampling wood dust and by spirometry. The mean wood dust exposure level in the factories was 4.08 mg/m³. The mean overall percent of predicted forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV₁) and FEV₁/FVC values were 84%, 86% and 99%, respectively. Significant negative correlations were found between mean dust exposure levels and FVC and FEV₁/FVC%, but not FEV₁. An association between decline in lung function and wood dust levels among wood workers suggests that rubberwood dust exposure negatively affects lung function.
International Journal of Occupational and Environmental Health, 2010, Vol.16, p.69-74. 31 ref.

CIS 11-0106 Fontaine J.R., Muller J.P., Braud M.C., Brouté P., Accart R., Pinsard D., Marmoret G., Bayle J.P., Bourges P.
Evaluation of the dust collection efficiency of three types of hand-held woodworking machines
Evaluation des performances de captage de trois types de machines à bois portatives [en francés]
Widely used in small-scale enterprises, hand-held woodworking machines are among the most polluting in terms of dust. This study involved three types of machine (circular saws, routers and orbital sanders), for which equipment supplied by four manufacturers was compared. Approximately forty configurations were evaluated in the INRS laboratory. This article presents the main findings of the study.
Cahiers de notes documentaires - Hygiène et sécurité du travail, Mar. 2010, No.218, p.3-15. Illus. 16 ref.
ND 2321-218-10.pdf [en francés]

CIS 10-0315 Gómez M.E., Sanchez J.F., Cardona A.M., Pioquinto J.F., Torres P., Sanchez D., Camargo L.M., Castañeda R.A., Villamizar R.H., Cremades L.V.
Health and working conditions in carpenter's workshops in Armenia (Colombia)
A study of the health and working conditions in 10 carpenter's workshops in the municipality of Armenia (Colombia) was conducted. Working conditions of the 177 most exposed workers were examined, and exposure to wood dust and noise, as well as lighting, were measured. The state of health was surveyed using a self-report questionnaire. Results show that personal protection was not used appropriately and that some were inadequate, that half of workshops had below the minimum allowable lighting limit level (500 lux) required, and that the noise level exceeded the permissible maximum limit value (85 dBA) in all the workshops.
Industrial Health, Mar. 2010, Vol.48, No.2, p.222-230. Illus. 39 ref.
Health_and_working_conditions.pdf [en inglés]

CIS 10-0271 Brasseur G., Ganem Y., Larcher C., Lemarié J., Ravellec C.
Workplace noise - An issue which is often met by silence
Bruit au travail - Une nuisance souvent passée sous silence [en francés]
Contents of this collection of articles on workplace noise: sound exposure; diseases caused by noise; focus areas of INRS research in 2010; modelling for optimizing noise attenuation in the design of a new facility for the maintenance of trucks; acoustic treatment of the walls in an enterprise producing wooden roof beams.
Travail et sécurité, Mar. 2010, No.704, p.20-28. Illus. 7 ref.

CIS 10-0222 Holmila R.
Exposure-related human cancer: Molecular changes in sinonasal cancer and lung cancer, with focus on TP53 mutations
Carcinogenesis is driven by alterations in the sequence and function of the genes involved in many critical cellular processes. Understanding these molecular mechanisms can clarify the role and biological effects of these risk factors. In this thesis, mutations in the tumour suppressor gene, TP53, and their associations with exposure were studied in sinonasal cancer and lung cancer. Another important mechanism in cancer is inflammation, and its contribution was explored by analyzing the expression of the enzyme cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) in sinonasal cancer.
Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, Topeliuksenkatu 41 a A, 00250 Helsinki, Finland, 2010. 127p. Illus. Bibl.ref. Price: EUR 23.00. Downloadable version free of charge.
http://www.tsr.fi/c/document_library/get_file?folderId=13109&name=DLFE-1701.pdf [en inglés]

CIS 10-0103 Kauffer E., Wrobel R., Görner P., Rott C., Grzebyk M., Simon X., Witschger O.
Onsite comparisons of several aerosol samplers in the woodworking industry
Comparaison sur site dans l'industrie du bois de quelques échantillonneurs d'aérosol [en francés]
A series of 235 samples collected in six woodworking enterprises enabled comparisons to be made between airborne wood dust levels measured by various sampling methods. Findings are discussed.
Cahiers de notes documentaires - Hygiène et sécurité du travail, June 2010, No.219, p.3-17. Illus. 40 ref.
http://www.hst.fr/inrs-pub/inrs01.nsf/IntranetObject-accesParReference/ND%202326/$File/ND2326.pdf [en francés]

2009

CIS 12-0212 Peto J., Rake C., Gilham C., Hatch J.
Health and Safety Executive
Occupational, domestic and environmental mesothelioma risks in Britain
There are just over 2100 people diagnosed with mesothelioma in the United Kingdom each year with about five times as many cases in men as in women In this study, more than 600 patients with mesothelioma and 1400 healthy people were interviewed to examine United Kingdom rates of the disease linked to different occupations. It was calculated that men born in the 1940s who worked as carpenters for more than 10 years before they reached the age of 30 have a lifetime risk for mesothelioma of about one in 17. For plumbers, electricians and decorators born in the same decade who worked in their trade for more than 10 years before they reached the age of 30, the risk is one in 50 and for other construction workers one in 125. For every case of mesothelioma, asbestos also causes about one case of lung cancer so the overall risk of asbestos related cancer for this particular group of carpenters is about one in 10. The risk was also increased in other industries and the study showed that two-thirds of all British men and one quarter of women had worked in jobs involving potential asbestos exposure at some time in their lives. There was also a small increased risk in those who had lived with someone who had been exposed to asbestos. The risk of mesothelioma for the rest of the United Kingdom population who haven't experienced these occupational exposures is about one in 1000. These apparently-unexposed cases account for 60 per cent of all mesotheliomas in women and 15 per cent in men. This is higher than the overall rate in women in most other countries, suggesting that many of these unexplained cases were caused by unrecognized environmental asbestos exposures which occurred in certain situations because of the widespread use of asbestos during the 1960s and 1970s.
HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA, United Kingdom, 2009, x, 63p. Illus. 46 ref.
Occupational_domestic_[INTERNET_FREE_ACCESS] [en inglés]

CIS 10-0668 Daly L., Sassi M., Soltani C., Rammeh H., Baccouche H., Hajaïj K., Gamra S., Ben Salah F., Nouaïgui H.
The wood sector - Hazards and prevention
Le secteur du bois - Risques et prévention [en francés]
The wood, cork and furniture sector in Tunisia employs 2% 0f the workforce, mainly in the transformation of raw materials. This work is often carried out in microentreprises, with poor supervision. Specific hazards include exposure to wood dust and work on dangerous equipment. Health effects may be carcinogenic, allergic or traumatic, the latter mainly targeting the hand. Occupational safety and health hinges mainly on monitoring dust levels, machine guarding, training and informing operators, and medical supervision according to suitable protocol.
SST - Santé et Sécurité au Travail, Apr. 2009, No. 49, p. 2-16. Illus. 11 ref.

CIS 09-1249 Sripaiboonkij P., Phanprasit W., Jaakkola M.S.
Respiratory and skin effects of exposure to wood dust from the rubber tree Hevea brasiliensis
Potential health effects related to wood dust from the rubber tree have not been previously investigated. The aim of this study was to investigate the relations of rubber tree dust exposure to respiratory and skin symptoms, asthma and lung function. It involved 103 workers in a rubber tree furniture factory and 76 office workers in four factories in Thailand. All participants answered a questionnaire and performed spirometry. Inhalable dust levels were measured in different work areas. Furniture factory workers showed increased risk of wheezing, nasal symptoms and asthma compared to office workers. There was a dose-dependent increase in wheeze and skin symptoms in relation to dust level. There was a dose-dependent reduction in spirometric lung function with wood dust level. Other findings are discussed.
Occupational and Environmental Medicine, July 2009, Vol.66, No.7, p.442-447. Illus. 38 ref.

CIS 09-1134 Welling I., Lehtimäki M., Rautio S., Lähde T., Enbom S., Hynynen P., Hämeri K.
Wood dust particle and mass concentrations and filtration efficiency in sanding of wood materials
This study evaluated exposure to wood dust during sanding operations. The numbers of fine particles were low, less than 10⁴ particles/cm³. This level is much lower than typical number concentrations measured in plasma arc cutting, grinding, and welding. Ultrafine particles less than 100nm were found during sanding of medium density plywood sheets. The importance of monitoring the efficiency of dust extraction systems is emphasized.
Journal of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene, Feb. 2009, Vol.6, No.2, p.90-98. Illus. 24 ref.

CIS 09-1145 Davies H.W., Teschke K., Kennedy S.M., Hodgson M.R., Demers P.A.
Occupational noise exposure and hearing protector use in Canadian lumber mills
In this study, a comprehensive noise survey of four lumber mills in British Columbia, Canada, using a randomized sampling strategy was carried out, resulting in 350 full-shift personal dosimetry measurements. Sound frequency spectrum data and information on hearing protector usage were also collected. A determinants-of-exposure regression model for noise was developed. The mean exposure level was found to be 91.7 dBA, well above the exposure British Columbia limit of 85 dBA. Of 52 jobs for which more than a single observation was made, only four were below the exposure limit. Twenty-eight jobs had means over 90 dBA, and four jobs had means over 100 dBA. Although the use of hearing protectors is high, it is unlikely that this provides complete protection against noise-induced hearing loss at the observed exposures.
Journal of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene, Jan. 2009, Vol.6, No.1, p.32-41. Illus. 16 ref.

CIS 09-1095 Osman E., Pala K.
Occupational exposure to wood dust and health effects on the respiratory system in a minor industrial estate in Bursa/Turkey
The aim of this study was to estimate occupational exposure to wood dust in the furniture industry in an industrial estate in Bursa, Turkey. The study involved 328 woodworkers and 328 unexposed controls. Data on respiratory health were collected by means of questionnaires and medical examinations, including spirometry. Exposure to wood dust was evaluated from workplace sampling. The average dust concentration at the workplace was 2.04mg/m³. 53.7% of the workers reported a blocked nose while working, 43.0% had eye irritation, 41.2% had itching eyes and 23.8% had a runny nose. No symptoms were observed in the control group while they were working at the workplace. The mean FEV₁ and FVC values of woodworkers, among both smokers and non smokers, were significantly lower than those of controls. Implications of these findings are discussed.
International Journal of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Health, 2009, Vol.22, No.1, p.43-50. 36 ref.

CIS 09-935 Reinert D., Schwaneberg O., Jung N., Ullmann S., Olbert W., Kamin D., Kohler R.
Finger and hand protection on circular table and panel saws
Several hundred injuries to hands or fingers when working with circular saws occur each year in Germany. This article describes various detection systems aimed at preventing such accidents. Some systems consist of a passive infrared sensor in combination with a capacitive field sensor. An alternative system uses a light curtain based on spectral analysis in the near infrared region.
Safety Science, Oct. 2009, Vol.47, No.8, p.1175-1184. Illus. 12 ref.

CIS 09-888 Serinken M., Karcioglu O., Evyapan F., Sungurtekin H.
Bilateral pneumothorax following acute inhalation injury
A male worker in an upholstery factory in Turkey was confined in the tanning machine for 15 min. On admission into hospital, he was confused with Glasgow coma scale score of 9. His vital signs were as follows: blood pressure 80/58 mmHg; pulse rate 114; respiratory rate 30 bpm; temperature 37.1°C; oxygen saturation 48%. Chest X-ray and bronchoscopy showed lung injury that warranted bilateral tube thoracotomy. The patient was discharged without any sequelae after eight days. Exposure to irritant gases such as sulfuric acid and sulfur dioxide can cause severe pulmonary injury.
Clinical Toxicology, July 2009, Vol.47, No.6, p.595-597. Illus. 6 ref.

2008

CIS 09-1250 Jayaprakash V., Natarajan K.K., Moysich K.B., Rigual N.R., Ramnath N., Natarajan N., Reid M.E.
Wood dust exposure and the risk of upper aero-digestive and respiratory cancers in males
The objective of this study was to examine the relationship between wood dust exposure and the risk of specific histological subtypes of upper aero-digestive tract and respiratory (UADR) cancers. A hospital-based examination was carried out to determine the effect of self-reported wood dust exposure on 1522 male UADR cancer cases and 1522 male controls, matched by age and smoking history. Regular wood dust exposure was found to be associated with a statistically significant increased risk of all UADR cancers (odds ratio OR 1.32), in particular of the nasal cavity, nasopharynx, and larynx, and of lung cancer alone (OR 1.69).
Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Oct. 2008, Vol.65, No.10, p.647-654. Illus. 25 ref.

CIS 09-893 Lee S.G., Pisaniello D., Tkaczuk M., Jankewicz G.
The development of an Australian database of wood dust exposures: Issues and future directions
This article discusses the feasibility of using existing data from various sources in order to assess exposure to wood dust in Australian industry. Information on the exposed workforce and wood usage was gathered from a combination of Australian Bureau of Statistics data and a telephone survey of a cross-sectional sample of woodworking enterprises in South Australia. However, it was found that many small businesses have not conducted exposure evaluations. In view of this limitation, it was concluded that targeted survey work, as has been conducted in the United Kingdom, which includes using national data, surveys and field measurements, is a more reliable strategy for exposure profile development and trend assessment.
Journal of Occupational Health and Safety - Australia and New Zealand, Oct. 2008, Vol.24, No.5, p.417-424. Illus. 22 ref.

CIS 09-412 Navia R., Bezama A.
Hazardous waste management in Chilean main industry: An overview
The new Chilean Hazardous Waste Management Regulation came into force on 12 June 2004. During the next 180 days (i.e., until 12 December 2004), each industrial facility was required to present a Hazardous Waste Management Plan if the facility generated more than 12 tons/year hazardous wastes or more than 12 kg/year acute toxic wastes. This article describes three case studies on the hazardous waste management plans carried out in facilities of the most important sectors of Chilean industrial activity: a paper production plant, a Zn and Pb mine and a sawmill and wood products facility. Hazardous wastes were identified, classified and quantified, minimization measures were implemented, and reuses and recycling options were evaluated.
Journal of Hazardous Materials, Oct. 2008, Vol.158, No.1. p.177-184. Illus. 8 ref.

CIS 09-324 Pierl C.B., Gebel M., Gross I., Becker D., Johnen G., Rihs H.P., Donhuijsen K., Lepentsiotis V., Meier M., Schulze J., Brüning T.
Occupational risks for adenocarcinoma of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses in the German wood industry
To examine the risk of wood dust and chemical exposures for adenocarcinoma of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses (ADCN) among German woodworkers, a case-control study with 86 male ADCN cases and 204 controls was conducted in the German woodworking industries. Cumulative and average wood-dust exposure was quantified with a job-exposure matrix based on wood-dust measurements at recent and historical workplaces. Probabilities of exposure to wood preservatives, stains, varnishes, and formaldehyde were semi-quantitatively rated. ADCN occurred relatively more frequently among wood workers that had worked as cabinet makers or joiners than as saw millers. Average exposure to inhalable wood dust ≥5mg/m³ was associated with a high risk (OR 48.47) compared to levels below 3.5mg/m³. Exposure between 3.5 and 5mg/m³ was also found to pose a risk (OR 10.54). Exposure to pigment stains before 1970 was associated with an increased risk. No significant associations were estimated for wood preservatives, varnishes, and formaldehyde.
Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Mar. 2008, Vol.65, No.3, p.191-196. 26 ref.

CIS 08-1339 Glindmeyer H.W., Rando R.J., Lefante J.J., Freyder L., Brisolara J.A., Jones R.N.
Longitudinal respiratory health study of the wood processing industry
This 5-year longitudinal study examined non-malignant respiratory effects of wood processing dust exposure. Personal dust samples were collected from ten wood processing plants. Spirometric tests were conducted on 1164 workers from these plants, who also responded to questionnaires on their state of health, smoking and occupational exposures. Regression analyses were used to evaluate the effect of exposure on annual change in FEV₁, FVC, FEF_25-75, and FEV₁/FVC. It was found that exposure to wood solids was not associated with significant adverse effects. However the respirable fraction of other particulate matter was associated with obstructive or restrictive effects in some cases. Other findings are discussed.
American Journal of Industrial Medicine, Aug. 2008, Vol.51 No.8, p.595-609. Illus. 47 ref.

CIS 08-891 Cabinet maker
L'ébéniste [en francés]
Contents of this occupational information sheet on the job of cabinet maker: related occupations; description; place of work; work organization; tools and equipment; products, materials and persons concerned; work clothing; work and health. It is concluded that this occupation results in exposures of workers to physical hazards (noise, vibration, manual handling), chemical hazards (wood dust, formaldehyde-based glues, wood treatment products) and accidents (explosions, fire, dangerous equipment). These hazards require that individual and collective protective measures be reinforced and that workers be properly trained and informed.
Cahiers de médecine interprofessionnelle, 1st Quarter 2008, Vol.48, 2p. Insert.

2007

CIS 09-1023 Dimich-Ward H., Taliadouros V., Teschke K., Chow Y., Abboud R., Chan-Yeung M.
Quality of life and employment status of workers with western red cedar asthma
The impact of current employment status and other factors on quality of life was evaluated for workers diagnosed with western red cedar asthma in British Columbia, Canada. Data were collected by means of structured telephone interviews. Among the 213 participants, employment status was the most consistent predictor of quality-of-life domains, with highest scores for employed subjects, particularly those who were no longer exposed to red cedar. Subjects who had quit work because of their asthma had worse scores, particularly for vitality and general health perceptions. Other factors independently associated with specific aspects of poor quality of life were having asthma-like symptoms, taking medication, and not being married.
Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Sep. 2007, Vol.49, No.9, p.1040-1045. 29 ref.

CIS 09-1133 Raymond L.W., Ford M.D.
Severe illness in furniture makers using a new glue: 1-Bromopropane toxicity confounded by arsenic
All four workers working with a new glue in a furniture factory were hospitalized following severe flu-like symptoms, which persisted three months later. Milder symptoms persisted in two workers eight years after their initial illnesses. Both have returned to work, while follow-up was unavailable for the other two workers. All available clinical records were reviewed. All four workers had high concentrations of serum bromide after exposure to glue containing 1-bromopropane (1-BP). All also had elevated urinary arsenic concentrations, the source of which remains unknown, but which confound interpretation of the abnormal bromide levels and clinical findings present during the acute illnesses.
Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Sep. 2007, Vol.49, No.9, p.1009-1019. Illus. 61 ref.

CIS 09-113 Grevenkamp A.
OSHA compliance issues - Overexposure and control of methylene chloride in a furniture stripping operation
This OSHA inspection reports on a case of overexposure to methylene chloride in a small business involved in furniture repair and restoration employing 18 workers. The exposure occurred in a section of the establishment where a single employee worked three to four days per week removing paint and varnish from furniture by spraying methylene chloride. Personal sampling found short-term exposures and 8h TWA levels of 285-662ppm and 108ppm respectively, compared to permissible levels of 125ppm and 25ppm respectively. Recommendations included modifications in equipment design and local exhaust. Subsequent samplings showed drastic reductions in exposure levels which were well within permissible levels.
Journal of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene, May 2007, Vol.4, No.5, p.D39-D41. 4 ref.

CIS 08-1435 Hewitt S., Heaton R., Shanks E., Mole M.
Health and Safety Executive
Correlation between vibration emission and vibration during real use: Polishers and sanders
This report describes the programme of experimental work carried out on exposure to vibration among polishers and sanders in the woodworking, plastics and metalworking industries. The objectives were to assess the BS EN ISO 8662 (non-electric tools) and the BS EN 60745 (electric tools) emission tests for usability and repeatability, to compare test results with manufacturers' declared vibration emission values, to compare declared vibration emission values with vibration magnitudes measured under real operating conditions and to assess vibration emission data as an indicator of vibration hazard. Findings are discussed.
HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA, United Kingdom, 2007. v, 40p. Illus. 8 ref.
http://www.hse.gov.uk/research/rrpdf/rr590.pdf [en inglés]

CIS 08-516 Roberge B., Audet E., Gautrin D.
Occupational asthma - Carpentry and woodworking
Asthme au travail - Charpenterie et menuiserie [en francés]
In order to adopt suitable measures for the prevention of occupational asthma and rhinitis, it is important to understand the health hazards in various vocational training and occupational settings. The IRSST published a leaflet presenting these two respiratory diseases in general terms (see CIS 08-514), together with six other leaflets covering specific occupational activities in more detail, explaining the risk factors and proposing suitable preventive measures. This leaflet specifically addresses occupational asthma and rhinitis in the carpentry and woodworking sector, together with the means of protection against specific allergens encountered in this work environment (wood dust, adhesives, solvents, isocyanates, silica).
Institut de recherche Robert-Sauvé en santé et en sécurité du travail du Québec (IRSST), 505 boul. de Maisonneuve Ouest, Montreal (Quebec) H3A 3C2, Canada, Sep. 2007. 6p. Illus. 3 ref.
http://www.irsst.qc.ca/files/documents/PubIRSST/RF-508.pdf [en francés]

CIS 08-657 Chaala A.
Reducing formaldehyde emissions - Changes in the formulation of binders in particleboard manufacturing plants
Réduction de l'émission de formaldéhyde - Modification de la formulation du liant dans les usines de panneaux de particules [en francés]
In partnership with the IRSST and with the collaboration of particle board manufacturers, the Forest Product Processing Research and Expertise Services (SEREX) of Quebec was given the assignment to optimize formaldehyde resins currently used by modifying their formulation so that their processing would give rise to lower levels of emissions. This project involved modifying commercial urea formaldehyde resins, producing panels in the laboratory and on an industrial scale, characterizing these panels and determining the concentration of formaldehyde in the gases emitted during resin modification and panel manufacture and degassing. Not only were the formaldehyde emissions reduced, but the quality of the panels was also slightly improved. The immersion tests also showed that the panels thus produced were more water resistant than the panels manufactured using conventional resins.
Institut de recherche Robert-Sauvé en santé et en sécurité du travail du Québec (IRSST), 505 boul. de Maisonneuve Ouest, Montreal (Quebec) H3A 3C2, Canada, 2007. vii, 47p. Illus. 24 ref. Downloadable version (PDF format) free of charge.
http://www.irsst.qc.ca/files/documents/PubIRSST/R-528.pdf [en francés]

CIS 08-458
Health and Safety Executive
Safe use of four-sided moulding machines
About 30-40 accidents occur each year in the United Kingdom at four-sided moulding machines. Nearly all involve amputation. Most could have been prevented if the cutters had come to rest before the operators approached them, and with better guarding. Contents of this information note on safe working with four-sided moulding machines: accident history; legislation, including Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER 98, see CIS 99-1429); training and supervision; braking, guarding and ejection; safe working systems; noise; safe workplaces.
HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA, United Kingdom, Sep. 2007. 4p. Illus. 3 ref.
http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/wis40.pdf [en inglés]

CIS 08-451
Health and Safety Executive
Noise at woodworking machines
This information sheet provides advice to manufacturers, suppliers, employers and users on the application of the Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005 (see CIS 06-1259) to the woodworking industry, which require employers to eliminate risks from noise, or to reduce them to the lowest possible level. Contents: action values required under COSHH; exposure limits; responsibilities of employers; controlling noise; engineering controls; machine maintenance; buying new machinery; personal hearing protection; noise awareness; health surveillance. A table presents factors which may affect machinery noise emissions. Replaces 03- 1887.
HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA, United Kingdom, Sep. 2007. 4p. 5 ref.
http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/wis13.pdf [en inglés]

CIS 08-420
Health and Safety Executive
COSHH and the woodworking industries
This information sheet provides advice to employers on the application of the United Kingdom Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH 2002, see CIS 03-1023) to the woodworking industry. Contents: health risks; how to protect employees; types of potentially harmful substances found in the woodworking industry and their routes of entry into the body; how to carry out a COSHH hazard evaluation; air sampling; dust extraction for woodworking and portable machines; selection of respirators; need for health surveillance. Replaces CIS 03-835.
HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA, United Kingdom, Sep. 2007. 4p. 4 ref.
http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/wis6.pdf [en inglés]

CIS 08-450
Health and Safety Executive
Noise reduction at band re-saws
The Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005 (see CIS 06-1259) require employers to eliminate risks from noise, or to reduce them to the lowest possible level. This information note addresses the issue of noise reduction at band saws. The noise generated by band re-saws (typically over 85dB(A)) can be reduced by maintaining the machine and blade in good condition. Factors affecting the blade vibration level (the main source of noise) are listed along with advice on how the difference in noise levels when cutting and when idling can be used as a good indicator of the condition and adjustment of the machine and blade. The use of noise enclosures is also discussed. Replaces CIS 02-409.
HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA, United Kingdom, Sep. 2007. 4p. Illus. 3 ref.
http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/wis4.pdf [en inglés]

CIS 08-406 Claude P.
Wood: How to avoid dust inhalation
Bois: comment éviter l'inhalation de poussières [en francés]
Topics addressed in this collection of articles on the risks related to the inhalation of wood dust in woodworking shops (conjunctivitis, rhinitis, asthma, respiratory syndrome, pulmonary fibrosis, eczema, ethmoid and facial sinus cancer); medical supervision of exposure to wood dust; collection of dust at the source by means of local exhaust ventilation; experience of a woodworking shop having recently installed a local exhaust ventilation system.
Prévention BTP, Mar. 2007, No.94, p.38-47. Illus.

CIS 07-1486 Jones T., Kumar S.
Comparación de las evaluaciones ergonómicas del riesgo durante una tarea repetitiva de alto riesgo en las sierras: afiladores de sierras
Comparison of ergonomic risk assessments in a repetitive high-risk sawmill occupation: Saw-filer [en inglés]
El objeto de este estudio era comparar los resultados de diferentes métodos de evaluación ergonómica del riesgo, así como examinar la relación entre el riesgo obtenido aplicando estos métodos y las tasas de incidencia observadas en la práctica. Se han utilizado los datos cuantitativos de exposición pertenecientes a 15 afiladores de sierras en cuatro serrerías, para calcular los índices de riesgo según los métodos RULA; REBA; ACGIH TLV, índice de esfuerzo (Strain Index) y OCRA para diferentes posturas y niveles de esfuerzo variables. La tasa de incidencia de lesiones osteomusculares en los afiladores de sierras variaba entre 0,12 y 0,86 por año-persona de trabajo. Las metodologías de evaluación aplicadas, en conjunto, ponen de manifiesto que el puesto de afilador de sierras lleva asociado un riesgo. Se comentan las sensibilidades de los diferentes métodos de evaluación del riesgo
International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics, 2007, Vol.37, p.744-753. Illus. 15 ref.

CIS 07-1384 Rojas-Hijazo B., Lezaun A., Hausen B.M., Segura N., Garcés M., Colás C.
Dermatitis de contacto debida a sustancias en suspensión aérea en fabricantes de gaitas (flageolets) tras la exposición al polvo de caviuna
Airborne contact dermatitis in gaitas (flageolets) constructors after exposure to sawdust of caviuna [en inglés]
La exposición a polvos de maderas exóticas puede provocar dermatitis en las partes del cuerpo expuestas de los trabajadores de la madera. Se presentan siete casos de pacientes dedicados a la fabricación, en España, de instrumentos de música de madera, a partir de la caviuna vermelha, una madera de la familia del palo de rosa. Algunas horas después de comenzar a trabajar con caviuna, se desarrollaron dermatitis en la zona de piel expuesta. Se realizaron pruebas epicutáneas con la serie del estándar europeo, con muestras de serrín de caviuna y con una serie de dalbergiones. Hciendose lo propio en 15 controles sin exposición. Las muestras de caviuna se analizaron mediante cromatografía de capa fina. Todos los individuos reaccionaron positivamente al polvo de caviuna. Además, cinco individuos y otros siete presentaron respectivamente fuerte reacción a la obtusaquinina y a la (R)-metoxi-4 dalbergiona derivada del Dalbergia retusa, así como a los agentes sensibilizantes presentes en otras maderas de palo de rosa. Se comentan otros resultados del estudio
Contact Dermatitis, May 2007, Vol.56, No.5, p.274-277. Illus. 11 ref.

CIS 07-1083 Madera - Diseño de un taller de ebanistería
Bois - Concevoir un atelier de menuiserie [en francés]
Los riesgos para la seguridad y la salud en el trabajo existentes en un taller de carpintería son múltiples. En este tipo de talleres se combina la utilización de maquinas para trabajar madera, la manutención de los elementos procesados, el ruido, la inhalación de solventes y de polvos de maderas, así como el riesgo de electrocución. Este artículo presenta un taller de ebanistería concebido de forma tal que la disposición de los equipos minimice los riesgos
Prévention BTP, Feb. 2007, No.93, p.32-33. Illus.

2006

CIS 08-620 Alberto M., Iñiguez M.J.I., Marensi P.
Ministerio de trabajo, empleo y seguridad social
Prediagnóstico sobre condiciones y medio ambiente del trabajo en la actividad de aserraderos - Mesopotamia
The Mesopotamia (or Littoral) region of Argentina was selected for this pre-study on the working conditions and work environment in sawmills, considering that 46.3% of the enterprises listed at the national level are located in this region. The objectives of the study were to describe and analyse work processes and organization, and to evaluate the infrastructures, machinery protective systems and main hazards (physical, chemical, biological, ergonomic and related to work organization) inherent to the various process steps. The report is also available in electronic form on a CD-ROM (in PDF format).
Superintendencia de Riesgos del Trabajo (SRT), Bartolomé Mitre 751, C1036AAM Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina, 2006. 87p. Illus. + CD-ROM.
http://www.srt.gov.ar/publicaciones/aserraderos/aserraderos.pdf [en español]

CIS 08-166 Xiao G.B., Morinaga K., Wang R.Y., Xu L.R., Ma Z.H., Zhang X., Kishimoto T., Kohyama N.
Afecciones pulmonares entre trabajadores expuestos a polvos del embadurnado de juncos en China
Lung disorders of workers exposed to rush smear dust in China [en inglés]
Un porcentaje creciente de tatamis se fabrican en la provincia china de Zhejiang para su exportación a Japón. Estos elementos se fabrican a partir de juncos. Una de las etapas de producción precisa embadurnar los juncos frescos con arcilla para evitar su decoloración y aumentar su resistencia. Durante las posteriores etapas de transformación, los trabajadores están intensamente expuestos a polvos de arcilla que contienen entre un 20% y un 30% de sílice libre y presentan, obviamente, un riesgo de neumoconiosis. Con el fin de evaluar las afecciones pulmonares entre los trabajadores expuestos a este tipo de polvos, se ha realizado un estudio transversal sobre 1.809 operarios (788 hombres y 921 mujeres) pertenecientes a 80 talleres. Los datos se han obtenido mediante cuestionario y también se han practicado exámenes médicos, con radiografías de tórax y pruebas funcionales respiratorias, y determinaciones de los polvos totales y respirables. Entre los trabajadores dedicados a la fabricación de tatamis, se detectó un riesgo elevado de neumoconiosis, así como una relación dosis-respuesta entre la concentración de polvos y la prevalencia de neumoconiosis. Se observó una relación similar entre la prevalencia de tos y expectoración y la duración del empleo en trabajadores no fumadores, pero no así entre los fumadores. Se comentan otros resultados del estudio
Industrial Health, Oct. 2006, Vol.44, No.4, p.556-563. Illus. 15 ref.
http://www.jniosh.go.jp/old/niih/en/indu_hel/2006/pdf/indhealth_44_4_556.pdf [en inglés]

CIS 07-720 Veillette M., Cormier Y., Israël-Assayaq E., Mériaux A., Duchaine C.
Neumonía por hipersensibilidad en una planta de transformación de maderas duras, vinculada a una fuerte exposición a mohos
Hypersensitivity pneumonitis in a hardwood processing plant related to heavy mold exposure [en inglés]
Dos trabajadores de una planta de transformación de madera para la fabricación de suelos presentaron síntomas de neumonía por hipersensibilidad. En dicha fábrica, las maderas que se secaban en un horno a menudo contenían mohos que, mas tarde, pasaban a la zona de procesado. El presente estudio tenía como objetivo evaluar el ambiente de trabajo, con el fin de identificar el agente responsable y verificar si otros trabajadores de la empresa o de otras empresas similares también estaban expuestos al riesgo de desarrollar una neumonía por hipersensibilidad. Se tomaron muestras en las instalaciones de desempolvado así como de los mohos existentes en la superficie de las planchas de madera, y se recogieron muestras de la atmósfera de trabajo de la empresa y de otra planta similar. A once colegas de los trabajadores que padecían la neumonía por hipersensibilidad se les realizaron pruebas espirométricas, análisis de sangre y se les preguntó acerca de su sintomatología. En la superficie de las planchas secas de la empresa donde se efectuaba el estudio, se detectó una gran proliferación de Paecilomyces, pero no así en la empresa similar. Un tercer trabajador aquejó síntomas que sugerían una neumonía por hipersensibilidad, pero un lavado bronco-alveolar desveló que se trataba de una alveolitis linfocitaria. Entre los tres casos de neumonía por hipersensibilidad confirmados, así como entre los otros diez trabajadores de la empresa en la que se estaba efectuando el estudio, se observó la presencia de anticuerpos IgG específicos de Paecilomyces.
Journal of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene, June 2006, Vol.3, No.6, p.301-307. Illus. 13 ref.

CIS 07-684 Chatillon J.
Influencia de la directividad de las fuentes sonoras sobre la exposición al ruido, en los locales industriales
Influence de la directivité des sources bruyantes sur l'exposition sonore dans les locaux industriels [en francés]
En este estudio se ha medido la directividad del ruido emitido por tres maquinas de trabajar madera, mediante métodos simplificados de intensimetría acústica que permiten realizar mediciones rápidas en el interior de un taller. Las mediciones demostraron que las maquinas estudiadas tenían una directividad relativamente baja. A continuación se evaluó la influencia de la directividad de dichas maquinas ruidosas sobre la exposición al ruido por parte de los trabajadores de un taller de producción. Las simulaciones demostraron que las características de los locales influyen escasamente en la variabilidad del campo sonoro con la directividad de la fuente. Los elementos determinantes de la exposición eran, más que nada, la posición del trabajador y la distancia a la que se encontraba de la máquina.
Cahiers de notes documentaires - Hygiène et sécurité du travail, Sep. 2006, No.204, p.47-59. Illus. 6 ref.
http://www.hst.fr/inrs-pub/inrs01.nsf/IntranetObject-accesParReference/ND%202255/$File/ND2255.pdf [en francés]

CIS 07-184 Trabaja Vd. la madera? Protéjase de los riesgos derivados de los polvos de madera
Vous travaillez le bois? Protégez-vous des risques liés aux poussières de bois [en francés]
Este folleto aporta recomendaciones para la prevención de la exposición profesional a los polvos liberados durante el trabajo de la madera. Trata de sensibilizar a los trabajadores, a los directores de las empresas y a los representantes del personal respecto de los beneficios de la prevención de riesgos profesionales, permitiendo que los servicios de salud laboral aporten su práctica ayuda a este sector. En el sumario: reglamentación; consecuencias de los polvos de madera sobre la salud (problemas dermatológicos, problemas de las vías respiratorias, rinitis, cáncer se los senos nasales); limitación de la exposición.
Agence Nationale pour l'Amélioration des Conditions de Travail, 4, quai des Etroits, 69321 Lyon Cedex 05, France, Sep. 2006. 6p. Illus.
http://www.anact.fr/pls/portal/docs/1/19057.PDF [en francés]

CIS 07-149 Brasseur G.
Serrerías - Los polvos de primera transformación.
Scieries - Des poussières de première transformation [en francés]
En Francia, el valor límite de exposición profesional a polvos de madera ha sido fijado en 1 mg/m2 a partir del 1 de julio de 2005. Una campaña de mediciones en las serrerías, realizada por el Centro Técnico de la Madera y el Mueble (CTBA, Centre Technique du Bois et de l'Ameublement) ha demostrado, sin embargo, que este límite se sobrepasa en un caso de cada cuatro. Tras esta observación se han hecho diversas recomendaciones dirigidas especialmente a la limpieza, la aspiración local y centralizada, la disposición de los locales, la instalación de cabinas y la utilización de equipos de protección individual.
Travail et sécurité, June 2006, No.663, p.10-11. Illus.
http://www.travail-et-securite.fr/ArchivesTS/ArchivesTS.nsf/(allDocParRef)/TS663page10_1/$File/TS663page10.pdf?OpenElement [en francés]

CIS 06-1422 Dessagne J.M., Courtois B., Juan J., Nicosia S., Poujoulas C., Collet F.
Polvos de madera - Prevenir los riesgos.
Poussières de bois - Prévenir les risques [en francés]
Este folleto está destinado a sensibilizar a los profesionales de la ebanistería respecto de los polvos de madera. Tras recordar los riesgos para la salud y exponer la situación de la exposición en Francia, se presenta un modelo de prevención (evaluación de los riesgos, gestión de los riesgos, garantía de un seguimiento de los trabajadores expuestos) junto con una serie de acciones inscritas en el modelo (ventilación y captación, mantenimiento y limpieza, equipos de protección individual, información y formación de los trabajadores, vigilancia medica).
Institut national de recherche et de sécurité, 30 rue Olivier-Noyer, 75680 Paris Cedex 14, France, Feb. 2006. 10p. Illus. 9 ref. Price: EUR 2.50. Downloadable version free of charge.
http://www.inrs.fr/INRS-PUB/inrs01.nsf/inrs01_catalog_view_view/653CB38FC4799CD5C125714F004BCFAC/$FILE/ed974.pdf [en francés]

CIS 06-1421 Marmoret G., et al.
Polvos de madera - Guía de buenas prácticas en ebanistería.
Poussières de bois - Guide de bonnes pratiques en deuxième transformation [en francés]
Durante mucho tiempo, en los sectores de la madera y la fabricación de muebles, la atención dedicada a los riesgos mecánicos y eléctricos que presentaban las maquinas ha relegado a un segundo plano los derivados de la exposición al polvo de madera. Sin embargo, estos riesgos son bien reales. Esta guía tiene como objeto precisar los riesgos a los que se enfrentan los operarios expuestos profesionalmente a los polvos de madera, presentar la reglamentación francesa y los sistemas de prevención, indicar las medidas de prevención que permitirían reducir el nivel de empolvamiento de los puestos de trabajo y de los talleres, y servir de ayuda para una estrategia de evaluación de la exposición de los trabajadores. Esta guía está destinada a los gerentes, a los responsables técnicos, a los responsables de la higiene y la seguridad en el trabajo y a los que manejan maquinas en la industria de la madera.
Institut national de recherche et de sécurité, 30 rue Olivier-Noyer, 75680 Paris Cedex 14, France, Mar. 2006. 16p. Illus. 11 ref. Price: EUR 2.50. Downloadable version free of charge.
http://www.inrs.fr/INRS-PUB/inrs01.nsf/inrs01_catalog_view_view/0264F0A811D5E35CC125714F004BD1CC/$FILE/ed978.pdf [en francés]

CIS 06-1036 Vigilancia de la seguridad en los trabajos forestales.
Supervising for safety in woodworking [en inglés]
Este folleto permite, mediante el concurso de una serie de cuestiones, identificar las responsabilidades de los contramaestres en materia de seguridad y salud en las empresas madereras. En el sumario: lista de control de las responsabilidades y de las personas responsables (operadores, contramaestres o gestores); como garantizar que las personas estan cualificadas y que utilizan el equipo adecuado; como garantizar que los puestos de trabajo son seguros, desde el punto de vista de la seguridad y de la salud; seguridad durante los desplazamientos y el almacenamiento de objetos; protección contra incendios; dispositivos de protección en las maquinas. Reedición de CIS 94-1870 con las referencias actualizadas.
HSE Books, PO Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 6FS, United Kingdom, June 2006. 13p. Illus. 3 ref.
http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/top06.pdf [en inglés]

2005

CIS 06-536 Benczek K.M., Gliński M., Dąbrowski M., Karski H.
Principios de limitación de riesgos durante las operaciones de trabajo de maderas duras mediante herramientas manuales mecánicas.
Zasady ograniczania ryzyka zawodowego podczas obróbki drewna twardego ręcznymi narzędziami zmechanizowanymi [en polonés]
Se identifican los factores de riesgo asociados a las operaciones de trabajo de maderas duras, y se describen las medidas de prevención pertinentes. Se comentan las responsabilidades respectivas de los empresarios, los trabajadores y el personal de gestión.
Centralny Instytut Ochrony Pracy - Państwowy Instytut Badawczy, ul. Czerniakowska 16, 00-701 Warszawa, Poland, 2005. 54p. Illus. 27 ref.

CIS 06-326 Michael J.H., Evans D.D., Jansen K.J., Haight J.M.
Compromiso de la dirección con la seguridad como elemento de mantenimiento organizativo: relación con los fallos de seguridad entre los trabajadores de transformación de madera.
Management commitment to safety as organizational support: Relationships with non-safety outcomes in wood manufacturing employees [en inglés]
Los componentes de los trabajadores que pueden considerarse críticos para el buen funcionamiento de una empresa, tales como la satisfacción laboral y su compromiso con la misma, han sido objeto de un sondeo a 641 trabajadores de tres centros de una empresa de transformación de la madera. Las preguntas trataban de la percepción que ellos tenían sobre la medida en que la dirección se involucraba en la seguridad, sobre los factores relacionados con su trabajo, tales como la peligrosidad de sus puestos, sobre la cultura de la empresa y sobre los comportamientos de inhibición. Los contramaestres también observaron la preocupación por la seguridad en sus subordinados. Los resultados han demostrado que los comportamientos de los trabajadores dependían de su percepción del compromiso de la dirección de sus empresas en materia de seguridad. En particular, el compromiso de la dirección en el campo e la seguridad estaba relacionado con la satisfacción laboral, la cultura de la empresa y el rendimiento en el trabajo. A la inversa, se observó una relación negativa entre el nivel de compromiso de la dirección en materia de seguridad y los comportamientos inhibitorios de los trabajadores.
Journal of Safety Research, 2005, Vol.36, No.2, p.171-179. 65 ref.

CIS 06-470 Bovenzi M., Della Vedova A., Nataletti P., Alessandrini B., Poian T.
Alteraciones en los miembros superiores de trabajadoras del sexo femenino que utilizaban pulidoras orbitales.
Work-related disorders of the upper limb in female workers using orbital sanders [en inglés]
El riesgo del sindrome de las vibraciones derivado de la utilización de herramientas vibrantes ha sido objeto de numerosos estudios entre los trabajadores del sexo masculino, pero se ha estudiado poco en el caso de trabajadoras del sexo femenino. Este estudio caso-control sobre la prevalencia de alteraciones vasculares, neurológicas y osteomusculares en los miembros superiores, se realizó sobre 100 mujeres que efectuaban tareas de pulido mecánico o manual en la industria del mueble, así como sobre un grupo de control de 100 mujeres que efectuaban trabajos administrativos. Todas las participantes en el estudio fueron interrogadas acerca de sus antecedentes médicos y fueron sometidas a un reconocimiento completo. No se pudo evidenciar ninguna diferencia significativa entre las pulidoras y los controles en lo que respecta a la prevalencia de sindrome de Raynaud, mientras que la prevalencia del sindrome del tunel carpiano (SCC), las alteraciones neurosensoriales periféricas y las alteraciones osteomusculares reportadas eran significativamente más elevadas entre las mujeres investigadas. Se diagnosticó un SCC en el 19% de las trabajadoras de la industria del mueble y en un 8% de los controles. Estas observaciones parecen sugerir la existencia de una relación significativa entre la utilización profesional de herramientas vibrantes y la afectación de tejidos blandos de los miembros superiores entre las trabajadoras.
International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health, May 2005, Vol.78, No.4, p.303-310. 49 ref.

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