In recent years, as living standards have improved, the demand for wood products has risen significantly. This growth in the wood products market has brought about a number of challenges, particularly concerning worker health. Employees involved in wood processing are increasingly facing occupational diseases. The availability and use of proper personal protective equipment (PPE) directly impact their well-being.
**Major Hazards in Wood Processing**
During the production of wooden furniture, processes like cutting, shaping, and grinding generate large amounts of dust and noise. Additionally, painting, coating, and finishing stages involve the use of organic solvents, which release harmful chemicals into the air. In wood furniture and panel manufacturing plants, more than 30 types of toxic substances can be found. Among them, four are highly toxic: benzene, formaldehyde, aniline, and toluene diisocyanate. Other common toxins include toluene, xylene, n-hexane, butyl acetate, methyl chloride, methanol, acetone, vinyl acetate, and ethyl acetate.
Benzene is a known carcinogen that affects the nervous and blood systems, leading to symptoms such as dizziness, headaches, coma, convulsions, aplastic anemia, and even leukemia. Formaldehyde is both a carcinogen and teratogen, damaging various cells in the body and causing issues like headaches, heart palpitations, asthma, lung edema, and nasal cancer. Aniline primarily harms the blood and urinary systems, potentially causing hemolytic anemia, cystitis, and cancers of the bladder and prostate. Toluene diisocyanate mainly affects the respiratory system, leading to conditions like cyanosis, asthma, bronchitis, and pneumonia.
Wood dust exposure can lead to respiratory issues such as rhinitis, pharyngitis, conjunctivitis, and asthma. Pneumoconiosis can occur if dust is inhaled in high concentrations, making it a serious concern.
**Current Challenges in the Industry**
The furniture industry includes many small and medium-sized enterprises and workshops, which contribute significantly to occupational hazards. These businesses often face risks from wood dust, formaldehyde, benzene, and other toxic substances. According to officials from the national safety supervision department, the situation regarding occupational hazards in China's wood furniture industry is quite severe. There are millions of workers exposed to these risks, with high levels of toxic substances present. Many facilities lack proper ventilation and protection, and employee health check-up rates are low. Additionally, awareness among workers about these dangers remains insufficient.
**Improving Safety and Protection**
Companies must implement targeted protective measures. First, they should clearly understand the chemical ingredients used and their potential health impacts. All chemical raw materials should come with Chinese manuals, and companies should request quality inspection reports to ensure safety. Avoiding the use of dangerous and illegal chemicals is crucial. Replacing high-toxicity materials with safer alternatives like water-based or UV paints can also reduce risks. If full containment is not possible, the use of highly toxic chemicals should be strictly limited.
Workers should also take personal responsibility. Wearing appropriate PPE such as dust masks, respirators, protective clothing, gloves, and earplugs can help minimize exposure. It’s essential for employees to understand the importance of these measures and use them correctly.
As we welcome the new year, let’s all focus on improving our awareness of personal protection. By using labor protection equipment properly, we can work safely and enjoy a healthier, happier life.
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