Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 26 May 1998

Vol. 491 No. 3

Written Answers. - Dust Inhalation.

David Stanton

Question:

147 Mr. Stanton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment her views on the dangers to workers caused by the inhalation of medite and fibreboard dust; whether these materials are cancer causing; the safety guidelines, if any, she has issued in this regard; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12293/98]

Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Mr. T. Kitt)

Medium density fibreboard (MDF) is composed largely of softwood bound with a urea formaldehyde resin. I am advised by the Health and Safety Authority that while concerns have been raised about the health effects of MDF, and in particular the possibility that it may be carcinogenic, the current position is that while hardwood dust can very rarely cause nasal cancer, the evidence that softwood dust can cause cancer is less conclusive.

Formaldehyde vapour may be given off during the storage and machining of particle board and this can act as an irritant to eyes, nose and throat. However, studies to date indicate that persons machining MDF are not exposed to formaldehyde vapour at levels that affect health. MDF does not come within the scope of the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (Carcinogens) Regulations, 1993 but is covered by the Safety in Industry Acts, 1955 and 1980, and the Safety Health and Welfare at Work (Chemical Agents) Regulations, 1994. Neither does formaldehyde come within the scope of the carcinogens regulations — they only apply to category 1 and 2 carcinogens and formaldehyde is classified as a category 3 carcinogen. Substances classified as category 1 carcinogens are known human carcinogens; substances classified as category 2 carcinogens are suspect human carcinogens; and substances classified as category 3 carcinogens are substances with a possible risk of irreversible effect.

Section 58 of the Factories Act, 1955, as amended by section 20 of the Safety in Industry Act, 1980, requires that all practicable measures be taken to protect persons against inhalation of dust and where practicable to provide exhaust applicances as near as practicable to the point of origin of the dust. Regulation 3 of the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (Chemical Agents) Regulations, 1994, requires that exposure to chemical agents be prevented or, where exposure cannot be avoided, be adequately controlled by various means such as replacement of agent, engineering controls etc., or personal protective measures where exposure cannot be reasonably avoided by other means.

The Health and Safety Authority has advised employers and employees that when MDF is machined, dust is generated which must be controlled. The finest dust and the greatest quantity is produced at sanding operations, whereas coarser dust is generated in operations such as sawing. In practice, efficient, properly-maintained, local exhaust ventilation systems are the usual recommended means of control. Where this is not practicable, for example, in some circumstances where portable or hand-held tools are used, protection can be achieved using a suitable dust mask.

The Health and Safety Authority will consider the outcome of further research which is being undertaken abroad in relation to concerns about MDF dust and ill health, when it becomes available, with a view to developing further guidance in the matter if necessary.