ENT Liu Knowledge Base Head & neck tumours · physician reviewed
Sinonasal Cancer · Understanding the disease

Is wood dust really a cause of sinus cancer?

Reviewed: 8 November 2026 By: Xiangpeng Liu, MD Topic: Sinonasal Cancer Answer length: short, citable
Quick answer

Yes. Occupational exposure to hardwood dust is classified by IARC as a cause of sinonasal adenocarcinoma, particularly of the ethmoid sinuses, and is one of the clearest occupational links in head and neck oncology. Risk rises with duration and intensity of exposure, often with a latency of several decades.

In detail

Cabinet makers, furniture workers, sawmill workers and joiners in Europe have been the best-studied cohorts. Local exhaust ventilation, dust extraction, respiratory protection and health surveillance are effective preventive measures; tell your doctor your full occupational history.

What this means in practice: this answer is part of the “Understanding the disease” section of the Sinonasal Cancer topic. If you are comparing treatment options, also read how to compare a second opinion and which records to send.

Other common questions about sinonasal cancer

See all 13 questions in this topic →

Sources for this answer

  1. IARC Monographs on the Identification of Carcinogenic Hazards to Humans (tobacco, areca nut, UV radiation, EBV, HPV) International Agency for Research on Cancer / WHO · 2024
  2. Head and Neck Cancers (patient information) US National Cancer Institute · 2025

Written and medically reviewed by Xiangpeng Liu, MD

Associate Chief Physician, ENT & Head/Neck Surgery · Chenzhou First People’s Hospital, Chenzhou, Hunan, China

Editorial policy & reviewer credentials · All sources

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Medical disclaimer: This knowledge base is general information for people researching head and neck tumours, not a diagnosis or treatment plan. It does not replace an examination by a qualified physician. Survival figures are population averages, not predictions for an individual. Treatment and cost estimates for China are illustrative only and must be confirmed in writing after your records have been reviewed. If you have a symptom lasting more than two to three weeks, see a doctor promptly.