[Health hazards caused by wood in Switzerland]

The clinical signs and symptoms of health hazards caused by wood are discussed together with their etiology and pathogenesis. 165 such cases were reported to the SUVA (Swiss Accident Insurance Association) up to the end of 1978. Disorders were most common among workers having the greatest exposure to the fine wood dust produced by tropical woods (in particular during grinding and cutting processes). 130 patients suffered from allergic contact eczema or non-allergic contact dermatitis. 35 patients suffered from respiratory tract disorders, 12 of these being classic bronchial asthma. Reference is made to the literature which points to the sharply increased incidence of adenocarcinoma of the paranasal sinus after long-term exposure to wood dust.