Dangerous stuff this wood...

[seaco]

Just read this lot on a knifemaking forum I belong to about the dangers of wood dust and it makes for sobering reading... :roll:

Ash (Fraximus sp)
Allergic reaction: decrease in lung function
In what form: dust

Beech (Fagus sylvatica)
Allergic reaction: dermatitis, eye irritation, decrease in lung function.
In what form: leaves, bark, dust.
Severity: medium risk
Incidence: common

Boxwood (buxus sempervirens)
Allergic reaction: sensitiser, dermatitis, irritant.
In what form: dust, wood.
Severity: medium
Incidence: common.

Bubinga (Guibourtia demeusel)
Allergic reaction: dermatitis, skin lesions possible

Cocobolo (Dalbergia retusa)
Allergic reaction: sensitiser, irritant.
In what form: dust, wood.
Severity: high.
Incidence: common.

Ebony (Ebenaceae sp.)
Allergic reaction: irritant, dermatitis, possibly a skin sensitiser.
In what form: dust, wood.
Severity: medium.
Incidence: common.

Iroko (Chlorophora excelsa)
Allergic reaction: asthma, dermatitis, nettle rash, hypersensitivity pneumonia.
In what form: dust, wood.
Severity: high.
Incidence: common

Laminated woods (plywood, Dymonwood etc)
Allergic reaction: reaction dependant on resins in the woods and methods of lamination (adhesives etc). Common reactions are dermatitis, mucous membrane and respiratory tract irritation, central nervous system and blood effects.
In what form: dust.
Severity: low to very high.
Incidence: common.

Makore (Sapotaceae sp.)
Allergic reaction: dermatitis, mucous membrane and respiratory tract irritation, central nervous system and blood effects.
In what form: dust, wood.
Severity: high

Maple (Aceraceae sp)
Allergic reaction: decrease in lung function, sensitiser.
In what form: dust.
Severity: high.
Incidence: common.

Olive Wood (Oleaceae sp.)
Allergic reaction: irritant, sensitiser.
In what form: dust, wood.
Severity: high.
Incidence: common.

Padauk (Legumimosae sp.)
Allergic reaction: sensitiser, itching, irritation, eye swelling, vomiting.
In what form: dust, wood.
Severity: low.
Incidence: rare.

Pau Ferro / Brazilwood (Caesalpinia echinata)
Allergic reaction: irritation, headache, nausea, stomach cramps, weakness, blisters.
In what form: dust, wood.
Severity: medium.

Purpleheart (Peltogyne pubescens)
Allergic reaction: irritant.
In what form: dust, wood.
Severity: medium.
Incidence: common

Redwood (Suquoia sempervirens)
Allergic reaction: sensitiser, dermatitis, asthma, nasal cancer, hypersensitivity pneumonia.
In what form: dust.
Severity: medium.
Incidence: rare.

Rosewoods (Dalbergia sp.)
Allergic reaction: irritation, sensitiser, dermatitis, respiratory problems.
In what form: dust, wood.
Severity: very high.
Incidence: common.

Satinwood (Chloroxylon sweietenia)
Allergic reaction: irritant.
In what form: dust, wood.
Severity: high.
Incidence: common.

Snakewood (Piratinera guianensis)
Allergic reaction: irritant.
In what form: dust, wood.
Severity: medium.
Incidence: rare.

Teak (Tectona grandis)
Allergic reaction: dermatitis, irritant, conjunctivitis, over sensitivity to light, swelling of the scrotum , nausea, respiratory problems.
In what form: dust.
Severity: medium.
Incidence: common.

Walnut (Juglans sp.)
Allergic reaction: sensitiser, sneezing, rhinitis.
In what form: dust, wood.
Severity: medium.
Incidence: common.

Wenge (Millettia laurentii)
Allergic reaction: splinters go septic, dermatitis, giddiness, drowsiness, visual problems, stomach cramps, sensitiser.
In what form: dust, wood.
Severity: medium.
Incidence: common

Yew (Taxus baccata)
Allergic reaction: irritant, dermatitis, headache, blood pressure drop, cardiac effects.
In what form: dust, wood.
Severity: very high, direct toxin.
Incidence: common.

Zebrano (Microberlinia brazzavillensis)
Allergic reaction: sensitiser
In what form: dust, wood.
Severity: medium.
Incidence: rare.

And also this link may be useful...

http://www.mnwoodturners.com/New_Member ... Chart.html

Scared the rubbish out of me! be safe out there... :wink:

 

[motownmartin]

Think i'll just use Balsa from now on :lol:
Make sure you have your extraction working or just be a sucker yourself :?

 

[OPJ]

You can never be too careful with timber but a lot of these lists seem to ignore Greenheart. Although it's only available in limited supply to turners these days, it's possibly the most deadly species around as the extra fine dust can give you cardiovascular problems and even a heart-attack, in the most severe of cases. :shock:

It always pays to do a little research first and know what you're going to be working with before hand. :wink:

 

[Harbo]

I have Terry Porter's book "Wood Identification & Use" and just about every Timber we use has some form of health hazard.

Cannot be too careful especially with fine dust that can hang around for a long time and get everywhere. Now have 2 air extraction filters hanging from my workshop ceiling!

Rod

 

[brianhabby]

It's a wonder any of us are left still alive to talk about it? :roll:

Seriously, good extraction and face mask are essential as far as I'm concerned. I have a Trend Airshield Respirator and while it can be a nuisance at times, I always wear it. It's important also not to take it off immediately you've finished cutting as the dust stays in the air for quite a while afterwards.

I also have an air filter (home made) that is always on when I'm cutting.

regards

Brian