Quantitative measurement and chemical analysis of wood dust collected in German woodworking companiesQuantitative Messung und chemische Analyse von Holzstaub aus Betrieben der deutschen Holzwirtschaft

Since 1985 dust particles from beech and oak wood have been classified by the Senate Commission of the German Research Council (DFG) as being working materials which are definitely carcinogenic to humans. All other wood dusts, including those from softwoods, are classified as being materials with reasonable suspicion of carcinogenic potential. The carcinogenic principle of action remains unclear despite the partial findings of new studies. The contamination of wood dust with non-genuine substances, like heavy metals, is one of a number of possible triggering principles.