Characterizing occupational exposures during cannabis production

Ernest N. Morial New Orleans Convention Center 

Workers are potentially exposed to respiratory irritants and allergic sensitizers during cannabis processing tasks. Recent evidence suggests an elevated burden of respiratory and allergic health symptoms in cannabis production workers, underscoring the need to characterize and control occupational exposures. We measured inhalable particulate matter (PM), endotoxin, ß-glucan, and volatile organic compound (VOC) terpenes during processing activities at seven cannabis production facilities in Washington state. Exposure levels varied by work task, with higher VOC and PM concentrations typically observed during trimming and bucking. Our findings may inform exposure control strategies to protect cannabis workers from work-related respiratory hazards.

C Sack, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
CD Simpson, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA 

K. Jansen, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA – field team
M. Paulsen, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA – field team
A. Gilbert, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA – field team
C. Beatson, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA – field team
J. Moreno, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA – field team
Y. Rodriguez, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA – field team 

Aerosol and airborne particulate monitoring

Exposure Assessment

Indoor air quality

Mold

Occupational epidemiology