Background: Workers exposed to a variety of wood dusts have been shown to exhibit occupational asthma, lung function deficits, and elevated levels of respiratory symptoms. Despite the popularity of pine and spruce, the health effects of exposures to these woods have not been extensively investigated. A study was undertaken to investigate the respiratory health of a group of sawmill workers processing pine and spruce (n = 94)1. A comparative study of changes in Maximum Expiratory Pressure MEP (mm.Hg) was carried out in saw mill workers of Bijapur city. This study consisted of 100 subjects of which 50 saw mill workers and 50 controls of similar age and socio economic status. MEP(mm.Hg) values in saw mill workers was significantly reduced in our study as compared to controls. MEP is used as a simple tool to measure respiratory muscle strength. Probably the saw mill workers after prolonged exposure to the wood dust develop respiratory muscle weakness and reduced cough reflex. The strength of respiratory muscles is assessed best by using simple equipment i.e. modified Black__ampersandsignlsquo;s apparatus. Many studies showed that Maximal Expiratory Pressure alone can be used as a measuring tool for respiratory muscle strength. MEP is useful in determining the ability of a person to cough effectively.