[Laryngeal carcinoma caused by exposure to wood dust?]

Since there is evidence that wood dust may cause adenocarcinoma of the nose and sinuses, the question is whether carcinomas of the remaining upper respiratory tract especially of the larynx might be induced or promoted by occupational exposure to wood dust. We reviewed available evidence and found ten case control studies suggesting a causal relationship, whereas in five case control studies regarding this question such a relationship could not be demonstrated. Six cohort studies did not reveal such a relationship either. It should be mentioned that two cohort studies were designed as registry-based studies including cases without fatal outcome. Even these studies failed to reveal a causal relationship. We conclude that the question as to whether laryngeal cancer might be caused by wood dust exposure is still open. Under these circumstances we cannot recommend classifying this disease-exposure-constellation as an approved occupational disease.