Introduction andObjective. Wood dust is regarded as one of the human carcinogen based on an increased risk of nasal and sinonasal cancer. This study was conducted in two sawmills to measure and determine the time-weighted average (TWA) exposure level to wood dust, and compare the results with the South African occupational exposure limit (OEL). Materials and method. Personal and area respirable and total inhalable wood dust samples were collected using calibrated Giliair-3 personal air sampling pump (Sensidyne, USA). Data was analysed using Microsoft Office Excel 2019 Analysis Tool Pak for a summary of descriptive statistics. Both the geometric means and standard deviation as well as the minimum and maximum values were calculated. Results. The geometric mean = GM (geometric standard deviation = GSD) for personal respirable wood dust exposure at sawmill A was 0.9(4.8) mg/m 3 while at sawmill B -0.57(0.75) mg/m 3 . The GM(GSD) for personal total inhalable wood dust exposure at sawmill A was 0.37(0.94) mg/m 3 while at sawmill B -1.19(16.91) mg/m 3 . Besides that, the GM(GSD) for area respirable wood dust at sawmill A was 0.13(0.09) mg/m 3 , while at sawmill B -0.8(0.6) mg/m 3 . Likewise, the GM(GSD) for area total inhalable wood dust at sawmill A was 0.13(0.16) mg/m 3 while at sawmill B -0.54(0.55) mg/m 3 . Conclusions. Results for the majority of samples were below the OEL. Workers smoking tobacco or cigarettes should be encouraged to stop smoking since smoking, especially when associated with exposure to wood dust, may increase the risk of respiratory health symptoms

Background Occupational exposure to wood dust may cause respiratory illnesses, while prolonged exposure to loud noise may cause noise-induced hearing loss. Objective The objective of the study was to assess the prevalence of hearing loss and respiratory symptoms among large-scale sawmill workers within the Gert Sibande Municipality in Mpumalanga Province, South Africa. Methods A comparative cross-sectional study consisting of 137 exposed and 20 unexposed randomly selected workers was undertaken from January to March 2021. The respondents completed a semi-structured questionnaire on hearing loss and respiratory health symptoms. Data analyse The data was analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21 (Chicago II, USA). The statistical analysis of the difference between the two proportions was done using an independent student t-test. The level of significance was set at p < 0.05. Results There was a statistically significant difference between the exposed and unexposed workers on the prevalence of respiratory symptoms like phlegm (51.8 vs. 0.0%) and shortness of breath (chest pain) (48.2 vs. 50%). There was also a statistically significant difference between the exposed and unexposed workers on the signs and symptoms of hearing loss like tinnitus (ringing in the ears) (50 vs. 33.3%), ear infections (21.4 vs. 66.7%), ruptured ear drums (16.7 vs. 0.0%), and ear injuries (11.9 vs. 0.0%). The exposed workers reported always wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) (86.9%) compared to the unexposed workers (75%). The reason for not wearing PPE consistently by the exposed workers was due to not being available (48.5%), compared to the unexposed workers who reported other reasons (100%). Conclusion The prevalence of respiratory symptoms among the exposed workers was higher than that of the unexposed workers, except for chest pains (shortness of breath). The prevalence of symptoms of hearing loss among the exposed workers was higher than the unexposed workers, except for ear infections. The results suggest that measures should be implemented at the sawmill to help protect workers’ health.

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