Is there anybody out there who believes or knows that their lung condition is as a result of the inhahation of MDF dust ?

[harmonica]

[Preshous]

I don't, but I do know that MDF dust is not the best thing in the world to be breathing. Every piece of advice I have seen recommends the use of masks. As MDF is a fairly modern product Im not sure if exposure to its dust has been fully documented.

[harmonica in reply to Preshous]

Thank you Preshous for responding.

The problem I have is that I worked in a school for 4 years that had no respect for health and safety at all. it was like walking into a skip that had been neglected for 10 years. Every machine was crammed with dust. All extractors clogged to the brim. Masks for me and the pupils did not exist and considered too expensive to acquire. At one stage the only extractor to my prep room was removed for about 18 months by the H&S officer as it was needed elsewhere in the school. So it went on exposed 8/9 hours a day, 5 days per week.

Since contracting an interstitial lung disease I have since discovered that a few schools in the county will not use MDF as they consider it as "Poisonous" Manufacturers actually produce what they call a "Safe version" at twice the price.

Since my ill health retirement the whole workshops have been upgraded and the cleaners, instead of using brooms now use vacuum cleaners. MDF is considered to be the "New asbestos". The USA is considering a ban, and so it goes on.

Sorry to rattle on, I am just so frustrated that the consultant I have will not say/confirm that my condition is as a result of the inhalation of the dreaded MDF and therefore I have trouble with the legal situations.

Cheers again for responding.

[tanyamarie]

My dad worked in the steel works and was exposed to lots of asbestos. He also worked for the electricity board and agian exposed to asbestos and lots of dust. We reckon this is what is responsible for dads IPF but I can agree that there is no way of confirming that. Also, as my dads nephew has the same disease, it makes me more inclined to agree that this can run in families.

I think the key for you would be to get in touch with ex colleagues of yours somehow and see how their health is. Or try researching on line and ask for feedback for people in similar situations.

[harmonica in reply to tanyamarie]

Thank you Tanyamarie.

Sound advice. My consultant tells me that it is because I have an overlap syndrome (Immune system in overdrive) associated to the lung problem it has been something that has been waiting to happen for decades. Researching interstitial lung disease it seems that there always has to be a trigger and then my immune system kicked in to rid myself of the problem. However the fact remains that MDF is considered to be an irritant by the H&S executives,

Thank you again for the advice.

[lung5e34j]

I worked a lot with M.D.F and although we had an extractor it was not super efficient. I have had I.P.F. for 3 years but haven't been near MDF for 15 years. I do think MDF has been the cause of my lung illness

[harmonica in reply to lung5e34j]

Thank you for your reply.

Interesting that you believe after 15 years that MDF and the lack of proper extraction caused your illness. What have you done during those years?

I think we need to find more people who have had similar thoughts / experiences then H&S executives may sit up and listen.

[Hidden]

My husband is convinced that MDF dust has been a major contributory factor to his COPD. TAD x

[harmonica in reply to Hidden]

Thank you for your reply Tad.

Can you or he please tell me why he is so convinced MDF is at the root of his condition, and what the medical profession have told him.

Thank you,

Harmonica X

[Alan46ipf]

Hi my name is alan I also have ipf I was diagnosed in July 2012 .

I also work with mdf I work at a well known kitchen manufacture I have been asking the same questions its the only dusty thing I come in contact with I don't smoke. I have had a lung biopsy done but they say unless you are looking just for mdf in the samples there is no way of proving its that what caused it.there is a laboritory in Cardiff that some hospitals send there samples off to but they can take years to get the results back.

[Alan46ipf]

We need to get our consultants to test our samples for mdf dust.i have worked with it now for 8yrs . I have always been sports minded until last year I was coaching a rugby league team

But within 6 months I have had to give it up I now get out of breath just walking. I'm convinced that mdf is the cause but can't prove it. Have been thinking about going to one of those no win no fee clam firms and let them fund all the testing.

[macfionn]

Hi I have just found this site. Worked in schools machining MDF plus hard and softwoods for 21 years. Yes I believe machining mdf and other wood in schools where extraction and dust reduction were always inadequate has damaged my health. I am only just now getting problems with breathing and finding it difficult to get my gp to listen to me or send me for tests.

Anyone else in a similar position please respond. I was hoping to bulid a picture of what happens to aging school technicians. I suspect many have similar problems.

Ots more to say on this subject........macfionn