Occupational asthma due to exposure to chengal wood dust.
BACKGROUND
Chengal is a resistant rainforest hardwood that is commonly used in South-East Asia for the construction of boats, bridges, house structures and furniture. It contains oligostilbenoids, phenolics, quinones and resins.


OBJECTIVE
To describe a case of occupational asthma (OA) related to chengal wood dust.


METHODS
The patient was evaluated clinically for asthma in relation to occupational history, serial peak flow monitoring and specific inhalation challenge (SIC) test.


RESULTS
Peak flow monitoring showed significant deterioration during exposure to chengal wood dust at work. SIC test resulted in an isolated immediate asthmatic reaction.


CONCLUSIONS
Exposure to chengal wood dust can lead to OA and possibly rhinitis. The underlying mechanism should be investigated.
Lee
Lay Tin
LT
Occupational Safety and Health Division, Ministry of Manpower, Block C, Kim Seng Road, Singapore 239436, Singapore. Lay_Tin_LEE@ttsh.com.sg
Tan
Keng Leong
KL
D000328:Adult; D000395:Air Pollutants, Occupational / Q000009:adverse effects*; D001249:Asthma / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D004391:Dust; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000209:etiology*; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects*; D010366:Peak Expiratory Flow Rate / Q000502:physiology; D013256:Steroids / Q000627:therapeutic use; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014934:Wood
D000395:Air Pollutants, Occupational; D004391:Dust; D013256:Steroids