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Updated: Aug 19, 2026

A Silicosis Mouse Model Established by Repeated Inhalation of Crystalline Silica Dust
Published on: January 6, 2023
Wood dust exposure and the association with lung cancer risk
Carlos H Barcenas1, George L Delclos, Randa El-Zein
1Department of Epidemiology, The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77225-0186, USA.
Background:
Wood dust was designated as a human carcinogen based on increased sinus and nasal cancer rates among exposed workers. However, data on an association with lung cancer have been inconclusive.
Methods:
Self-reported wood dust exposure was compared between 1,368 lung cancer patients and 1,192 cancer-free adults, in a lung cancer case-control study. Epidemiological information was collected through a detailed personal interview.
Results:
Using several definitions of wood dust exposure we consistently observed statistically significant elevated adjusted risk estimates; for example, the adjusted odds ratio (OR) for combined wood dust related occupations and industries was 3.15 (95% confidence intervals (CI) 1.45-6.86) and for an overall summary exposure measure it was 1.60 (95% CI 1.19-2.14). The association was maintained when stratified by histopathological type. Among those exposed to cigarette smoke and wood dust, 21% of the cases were attributable to biologic interaction.
Conclusions:
Wood dust exposure is a potential risk factor for lung cancer.
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Criteria for Causality: Bradford Hill Criteria - I

