Raynaud's phenomenon in forestry workers in Quebec.

A survey of 1540 forestry workers in Quebec found a prevalence of Raynaud's phenomenon of 30.5% among chain-saw users and 8.7% among nonusers. Prevalence was related directly to duration of use of the chain-saw. The mean interval (+/- the standard deviation) between the time the chain-saw was first used and the onset of Raynaud's phenomenon was 7.8 +/- 5.6 years. After 20 years of chain-saw use over 50% of the population had Raynaud's phenomenon. Relative risks among those using a chain-saw for more than 10 years were 3.60 for nonsmokers and 6.55 for smokers. Other factors associated with the phenomenon included a family history of nonoccupational Raynaud's phenomenon, previous injuries to the arms, climate and type of residence during the wood-cutting season. Decreased work capacity, interference with leisure activities and changes in professional orientation often resulted from this disease. These problems should be taken into account when disability compensation is being considered.