Nasopharyngeal cancer due to exposure to wood dust : report by the Industrial Injuries Advisory Council in accordance with section 171 of the Social Security Administration Act 1992 considering prescr

This report details the Council's consideration of prescription for nasopharyngeal cancer in relation to wood dust exposure.

An association between cancer of the nasal sinuses and wood dust is already well-established, and carcinoma of the nasal cavity and associated air sinuses is currently a prescribed disease for which Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit is payable.

The nasopharynx, which connects the nose with the back of the mouth, is a site where inhaled wood dust can deposit.

The Council found consistent evidence of an excess risk of cancer of the nasopharynx in workers exposed to wood dust.

It therefore recommends that cancer of the nasopharynx be prescribed for occupations involving the processing, manufacture or repair of wood or wooden goods, for a period of at least 10 years in aggregate.