Pres malignant tumours in naso-sinusial cavities (CNS) account for approximately 3 % of ORL cancers. CNS adencarcinoma is an occupational disease admitted to certain specialised workers such as carpenters and ebenists. Great Britain in 1969 and France in 1981 recognise its professional etiology on the basis of statistical findings. The high proportion of wood workers developing a CNS adencarcinoma, whose risk is estimated to be 50 to 1000 times higher than that of the general population, suggested to some authors various avenues, such as tannin for hard wood, formaldehyde for plywood and benzo (a) pyrene produced by overheated wood. Specific work, such as sanding, causes the release of fine dust that can remain suspended in the air, especially in poorly ventilated areas. So far, such assumptions have not been confirmed by practical measures and the problem remains open. It is recognised that tannin does not cause cancer in exposure to tea dust. Formaldehyde is an irritant but is also classified as a carcinogen. The polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) runway that are carcinogenic from overheated wood is attractive. We examined their content based on the operations carried out on wood in the test cabin and measured the particle size distribution of the dust generated. Experiments Wood dust collection Wood dust is captured at 2 l/min by glass fibre filters (Ø 37 mm, GF/B, Whatman), previously conditioned with a constant humidity of 55 % RH in a glove box. Determination of particle size of wood particles and analysis of PAHs A particle impactor (Ambient Particle Sizing Sampler, Andersen Inc.) fitted with glass fibre filters is used to capture and weigh dust according to particle size. To study the particle size distribution of wood particles according to operations such as sawing, planing or sanding, we simulated these operations in our testing booth of 10 m³ volume. The materials tested are raw fir, oak and oak impregnated with polyurethane. PAHs are analysed by HPLC and fluorescence detection. Results Wood dust contains PAHs at μg/g or ppm. Wood impregnated with PU varnish produces 100 times more PAHs than raw wood during sanding operations. Woodworking instruments such as sanders, circular saws or planers generate dust with a particle size of 10 μm or more, resulting in a predominant deposition of dust into the naso-sinusial cavity and less into the lung. The standard 2 mg/m³ of total dust seems to protect workers effectively, provided that the levels of PAH do not exceed the level of ppm. It is important that the workers concerned become aware of the danger of exposure to wood dust and that they adopt adequate protective measures, such as the wearing of dust masks or the ventilation of the room. Tools equipped with dust bags generate less dust in the air and contribute to better protection. Could CNS adencarcinoma in carpenters and ebenists be explained by the presence of PAHs in wood dust? Further investigations are needed to better identify the exposure of wood workers to PAH and the effects on their health.