Toxicity of Wood

[Mike Leonard]

Here is an interesting article on toxicity of wood and allergic reactions.

http://www.city-net.com/albertfp/toxic.htm

[John Preston]

Interesting, I think exposure to walnut dust decreased my ability to smell by about 50%. If I cut one board now, it's not unusual for me to sneeze. And I know I'm allergic to aromatic cedar.

As I am allergic to asprin, I was interested in the notes about willow and birch also.

I suppose I should start wearing a dustmask more often, that and get some better DC on some of my tools.

[Jim Becker]

My locksmith had to give up woodworking entirely a number of years ago due to a severe sensitivity to Walnut and then other dust...and he was a carver. He nearly cries when the topic turns to woodworking and I can't blame him. One table I often refer to for sensitivity is at: http://www.mimf.com/archives/toxic.htm Another good document is at: http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/wis30.pdf