Exposure to chengal wood dust can lead to Occupational Asthma and possibly rhinitis. Chengal is a resistant rainforest hardwood that is commonly used in South-East Asia for the construction of boats, bridges, house structures and furniture. It contains oligostilbenoids, phenolics, quinones and resins.
Background: Chengal is a resistant rainforest hardwood that is commonly used in South-East Asia for the construction of boats, bridges, house structures and furniture. It contains oligostilbenoids, phenolics, quinones and resins.
Aims: To describe a case of occupational asthma (OA) related to chengal wood dust.
Methods: The patient was evaluated clinically for asthma in relation to occupational history, serial peak flow monitoring and specific inhalation challenge (SIC) test.
Results: Peak flow monitoring showed significant deterioration during exposure to chengal wood dust at work. SIC test resulted in an isolated immediate asthmatic reaction.
Conclusions: Exposure to chengal wood dust can lead to OA and possibly rhinitis. The underlying mechanism should be investigated.
Posted in Asthma, New occupational risks, Occupational exposure Tagged: Allergy, Occupational asthma, Wood
Lee, L. T., Tan, K. L. Occupational asthma due to exposure to chengal wood dustOccupational Medicine 2009 59(5):357-359
Background: Chengal is a resistant rainforest hardwood that is commonly used in South-East Asia for the construction of boats, bridges, house structures and furniture. It contains oligostilbenoids, phenolics, quinones and resins.
Aims: To describe a case of occupational asthma (OA) related to chengal wood dust.
Methods: The patient was evaluated clinically for asthma in relation to occupational history, serial peak flow monitoring and specific inhalation challenge (SIC) test.
Results: Peak flow monitoring showed significant deterioration during exposure to chengal wood dust at work. SIC test resulted in an isolated immediate asthmatic reaction.
Conclusions: Exposure to chengal wood dust can lead to OA and possibly rhinitis. The underlying mechanism should be investigated.