HSE: Sinonasal Cancer; RR933

Understanding the Occupational Causes of Sinonasal Cancer

HSE Research Report RR933 forms part of the Health and Safety Executive’s major research programme investigating the burden of occupational cancer in Great Britain.

The report examines occupational exposures associated with sinonasal cancer, a relatively rare but often serious cancer affecting the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses.

Although uncommon compared with lung cancer, sinonasal cancers have long been associated with specific workplace exposures. The report reviews available epidemiological evidence and estimates the burden of disease attributable to occupational exposures within Great Britain.

The research highlights occupational risks associated with:

Hardwood dust
Leather dust
Chromium compounds
Nickel compounds
Certain manufacturing processes
Historical workplace exposures

The report provides important evidence supporting modern occupational hygiene practices and reinforces the importance of effective exposure-control strategies.

This resource is relevant to:

Occupational Hygienists
LEV Designers/Commissioners & testers
Woodworking Industry Professionals
Furniture Manufacturers
Metal Finishers
Health & Safety Professionals
Duty Holders

Source Document

View the HSE guidance here:

View Original HSE Guidance

Source: Health and Safety Executive (HSE)
Document Type: Research Report RR933
Status: Archived Research Report
Last reviewed by LEVCentral: June 2026

LEVCentral Expert Commentary

When occupational cancers are discussed, attention is often focused on lung cancer, mesothelioma and asbestos-related disease.

However, certain occupational exposures have long been associated with cancers affecting the nasal cavity and surrounding sinus structures.

Sinonasal cancers are relatively rare within the general population, but their association with particular workplace exposures makes them highly relevant to occupational hygiene and LEV professionals.

Historically, some of the strongest associations have been observed among workers exposed to hardwood dust and leather dust. These exposures have been studied for decades and are recognised occupational carcinogens.

The report forms part of HSE’s wider occupational cancer burden project, which sought to quantify the impact of workplace exposures across Great Britain and identify industries where preventative measures could have the greatest health benefits.

For LEV professionals, the significance is clear.

Many of the occupational exposures associated with sinonasal cancer involve airborne contaminants that can often be controlled through:

Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV)
Process enclosure
Dust suppression
Good housekeeping
Occupational hygiene programmes

The report therefore reinforces the fundamental role that engineering controls play in preventing long-term occupational disease.

Key Learning Points

Hardwood Dust Is a Recognised Occupational Carcinogen

Exposure to hardwood dust has long been associated with an increased risk of sinonasal cancer, particularly within woodworking and furniture manufacturing industries.

Rare Diseases Can Have Strong Occupational Links

Although sinonasal cancers are relatively uncommon, their association with specific occupational exposures provides valuable evidence regarding workplace health risks.

Occupational Exposure Often Occurs Over Many Years

The diseases examined in the report typically develop following long-term exposure and may not become apparent until many years after the original exposure occurred.

Engineering Controls Remain Essential

Many of the exposures identified within the report can be significantly reduced through effective source-capture ventilation and exposure-control strategies.

Prevention Is More Effective Than Treatment

Occupational cancers often have long latency periods, making exposure prevention the most effective control strategy.

Why This Matters to LEV Professionals

Many LEV systems are installed to control contaminants that have immediate nuisance effects such as dust, odour or irritation.

However, the report highlights a broader objective:

Preventing occupational cancers that may not develop until decades after exposure.

This is particularly relevant within industries such as:

Woodworking and Furniture Manufacture

Hardwood machining, sanding and finishing operations can generate airborne dust requiring effective extraction and containment.

Leather Processing

Dust generated during cutting, finishing and processing operations may create exposure risks.

Surface Engineering and Metal Finishing

Some chromium-containing processes may generate hazardous airborne contaminants requiring robust engineering controls.

Occupational Hygiene Implications

Exposure Assessment Remains Important

Air monitoring and occupational hygiene surveys help determine whether workers are adequately protected from hazardous exposures.

LEV Systems Require Ongoing Verification

Installation alone is insufficient. Systems should be routinely inspected, maintained and thoroughly examined to ensure continuing effectiveness.

Health Surveillance May Be Appropriate

Where exposure risks exist, health surveillance programmes may support early identification of adverse health effects.

Workplace Design Influences Exposure

Good process design, enclosure and contaminant capture can significantly reduce exposure potential.

Further Resources

Recommended Learning

Thought Leadership

Defensible Exposure Control Strategy
Defensible LEV Commissioning
Occupational Cancer and Exposure Prevention
LEV Governance and Duty Holder Assurance

LEVCentral Observation

RR933 provides an important reminder that occupational diseases are not limited to the lungs. The report demonstrates how long-term workplace exposures can contribute to cancers affecting the nasal cavity and surrounding sinus structures.

For LEV professionals and occupational hygienists, the report reinforces the value of effective exposure control at source.

Many of the exposures associated with sinonasal cancer are preventable through good occupational hygiene practice, effective engineering controls and a long-term commitment to worker health protection.