Background: Genetic material is known to be one of the sensitive targets of wood dust. Objectives: This study aimed at measurement of the concentration of the respirable fraction of wood dust generated by different wood operating processes. In addition, the study investigated DNA damage among wood dust exposed carpenters and its relation
to oxidative stress (OS) induced by exposure to wood dust. Methods: Several air samples were collected from 4 carpentry workshops dealing with soft and hard types of unpolished wood and the respirable wood dust concentration was calculated. The study population consisted of an exposed group (n=28) and a matched control group (n=26).
Every participant underwent occupational questionnaire, assessment of chromosomal aberrations (CAs) (as an index for DNA damage) and serum glutathione peroxidase enzyme (GPX) as one of the antioxidant enzymes. Results: The highest respirable wood dust concentration was that generated by sawing operations. Laboratory investigations revealed statistically significantly higher frequency of CA which was associated with significant decrement in serum GPX among the exposed workers. Increased CA was positively correlated with the duration and the degree of exposure. Conclusion:
Occupational exposure to wood dust is associated with genotoxicity and oxidative stress. This could be due to lack of protective measures, so there is a need to educate the carpenters about the potential hazard of occupational exposure and the importance of using protective measures.