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BECTU, the Broadcasting, Entertainment, Cinematograph and Theatre Union, has lead a concerted and successful campaign to tackle the hazards of medium-density fibre board (MDF). BECTU has been concerned for some time about members who work with MDF and softwood dust without adequate dust extraction. As well as the materials they work with, BECTU members are particularly at risk because their workplaces are often stage sets which have not been designed with exhaust ventilation in mind, and because of casualisation in employment.

Maximum Exposure Limits apply to wood dust and formaldehyde (a component of MDF). Exposure to both hard- and soft-wood dusts can cause occupational asthma and cancer. Increased incidence of nasal cancer was reported in English furniture makers many years ago. Nasal cancer has been associated with hard- and soft-woods, although the risk is greater from hard woods. Both BECTU and UCATT urge their members to report any breathing problems, sore eyes or dermatitis. The HSE is currently reviewing the scientific literature on health effects of MDF.

Although they disagree about the hazards of MDF itself, BECTU and the Wood Panel Industries Federation (WPIF) have been able to work together to get employers in the industry to follow the COSHH Regulations. In 1998 they drafted a new leaflet on how to avoid the health risks of wood dust.

The campaign has also had wider benefits, according to Jane Paul, BECTU's health and safety officer when the campaign was launched. "MDF has been a useful vehicle - a Trojan horse. It has raised awareness of other issues" (J. Turner, Breakthrough on MDF, Stage Screen and Radio, February 1998, pp. 8-9; J. Turner, MDF: the asbestos of the '90s, Stage Screen and Radio, October 1997, pp. 10-12; The hazards of MDF wood dust and wood-based boards, UCATT safety briefing, Winter 1997).

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