An aeromycological study of sawmills: Effects of type of installation and timber on mycoflora and inhalation hazards for workers

A study was carried out of the airborne mycoflora in 12 sawmills in order to determine the risk of allergies run by the workers. Each establishment visited harboured a particular type of mycoflora and there were significant quantitative and qualitative differences in mycoflora according to the sites, sawing techniques and efficacy of the systems of particle aspiration. The type of wood processed had a distinct influence on the composition of the mycoflora present in the atmosphere; Penicillium predominated in hardwood and Cladosporium in conifer sawmills. Besides these two high allergy risk genera, the presence of Aspergillus fumigatus and various species of Mucor, Trichoderma and Phoma could adversely affect the personnel of these establishments. The use of efficient aspiration systems and of respirators is particularly recommended.