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128 – Wood Toxicity

07.10.2024 by shannon // Leave a Comment

Do not taunt wood, do not touch wood, do not cut wood

Wood dust is a major health risk.  Mostly as a cumulative effect (AKA sensitizer) that can sneak up on us and ruin your health after decades of working with wood.  It is imperative we protect our lungs from even the most benign wood dust.  So imagine how dangerous more toxic woods can be when in dust form that you get on your skin, in your eyes, or lungs.  

In today's episode I discuss the various categories of wood toxicity and what you can do to ameliorate your risks when you are working with a toxic wood.  But remember that just about every wood is toxic and everyone will react differently.  Moreover what doesn't bother you now could very well cause health problems in the future  with continued exposure.

Check out the Wood Database wood toxicity chart

Rules of Thumb to mitigate Wood Toxicity

  • If it smells strongly be wary.
  • Does the tree produce nuts: Walnut (juglone) , Beech, Pistachio, etc
  • If it feels oily, be wary
  • If it reacts to fasteners be wary: tannins
  • If it is vividly colored be wary (Purpleheart: dalbergione, neoflavinoid)
  • If is is highly variable color right after milling
  • If you experience a reaction to a wood avoid those closely related to it.

Lumber Industry News

  • Wall Street Journal crying about falling lumber market and home building.  Hardwood market remains insulated.
  • Mast year for Maples in New England means Sugar Maple saplings sprouting up all across urban areas.
  • Morton Arboretum has a slab sale.  Maybe arboretums and/or city foresters are doing the same thing in your area.

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