Wood Dust Cancer-What are the risks?

Dust is just one of the potential risks a woodworker has to protect themselves from. The effects of excessive exposure to wood dust is a concern but don’t fret as we can negate the risks with a little common sense and good working practices.

This is my Experience with dust-related symptoms

While you are here I feel I should tell you that this blog is based on my own experience & research on the subject of wood dust inhalation dangers and contact allergies. I am not a medic or nurse but just a woodworker who has had his eyes opened through living with some woodworker dust-related conditions.

I have written this to share with you my own take on the subject and knowledge I have learnt directly or indirectly. I hope you find this interesting and enlightening so you feel you can explore protecting your health in a positive manner.

Symptoms of exposure to dust

I do not wish to scare but we need to understand the risks that poor working practices can pose if we are to protect ourselves.

Inhaling of wood dust is a serious issue that can cause woodworkers some kind of life-changing condition. Inhalation of wood dust is our main concern but digesting sanding dust can also be an issue. When wood dust enters the digestive system toxins can enter the bloodstream affecting our vital organs. Some conditions have recognised symptoms because of exposure to a dusty woodworking environment.

Inhaling saw dust symptoms

• Nasal Cancer
• Occupational Asthma
• Lung Cancer
• Nasal Sores 
• Dermatitis
• sinuses and nasal cavity
• Eye Trauma
• Dry eye Syndrome

Nasal Cancer

The word we all dread when we wait for the results of any tests, ‘Cancer’. The paranasal sinus and the nasal cavity is at risk of malignant cancers developing. Known as ‘Squamous cell Carcinoma’ is a thin cell mutation which can grow through the nasal cavity producing sores and openings in the face.

Oak is classed as a Group 1 Carcinogen

After learning this I have changed how I deal with dust. Realising that wood and sawdust especially Oak is a Group 1 Carcinogen this is a new knowledge for me. I have been working with wood most of my life and I like many joiners have taken unnecessary risks with my health.

How to reduce the risk of Nasal Cancer for woodworkers?

Potentially toxic dust is breathed into the nasal passage and sits on the mucous coated sinus and the nasal cavity. You can help lower the risk of the carcinogens entering your blood and cell. By washing your nasal passage with a netty bottle (nasal wash) filled with saline you can flush out toxins.

It is not only the workshop where we should take care regarding the air we breathe but also in the home.

A Happy Sinus is a Clean Sinus

Sadly cancers are associated with the inhalation of wood dust. Wood dust inhalation contributes to paranasal 

The neti bottle is a great way to clear away toxins from the sinus. You can either allow the saline fluid to flow throw but I tend to flush and blow the fluid along with any rubbish down the basin.

Might be a little uncomfortable but I find the effect from using a neti well worth it.

a clean, sinus is a happy sinus. I have been using a sinus wash for a while now and I swear by it.

How to reduce the risk of Nasal Cancer for woodworkers?

Potentially toxic dust is breathed into the nasal passage and sits on the mucous coated sinus and the nasal cavity. You can help lower the risk of the carcinogens entering your blood and cell. By washing your nasal passage with a netty bottle (nasal wash) filled with saline you can flush out toxins.

Wood dust inhalation treatment

Sadly cancers are associated with the inhalation of wood dust. Wood dust inhalation contributes to paranasal 

The treatment of inhaled wood dust is not something that we can remedy but control. The control has to be in the form of prevention as it is very difficult to remove inhaled wood dust once it has entered our lungs.

Respiratory equipment is key to healthy work practices

The safe working practice of wearing appropriate dust masks and machine dust collection is the only way to be sure it is prevented at source. Everything else is secondary.

Contact exposure is treatable by washing our nasal passage but inhalation is like ‘closing the door after the horse has bolted’. There is little you can do if you inhale wood dust. I suppose you could try coughing like a chain smoker.

Occupational Asthma

Wood dust can cause occupational asthma.

Good HEPA filtration can remove Allergens

We have to remember that the dust us woodworkers create can include allergens. These allergens can be manmade or natural fungal growths. The fungus produces spores and spores are a known irritant to our bronchial tubes.

Sometimes wood dust is not only wood dust

It is not only natural elements but also a human intervention that is a problem. Like any negative human creation, resin-based products are not only irritants for asthma but also possible carcinogens. MDI (methylene diphenyl diisocyanate) is used for wood binding / laminating. The glues used to bond MDF and chipboard (particle board) are recognised as toxic to people.

‘Some Sheet materials contain Urea Formaldehyde’

Woodworkers and cabinet makers need to take extra precautions when cutting or sanding these sheet materials. Because sheet materials are considered single-use and limited for upscaling the disposal is costly to our planet. Burning of such materials releases poisonous gas into the atmosphere along with carbon dioxide.

Is a visit to the Doctors necessary for the diagnosis of Asthma?

Asthma is an inflammatory disease that reduces lung function because of bronchial reaction to allergens. Woodworkers suffering from occupational asthma will have a feeling of tightness in the chess and problems breathing. Medication is normally in the form of medicinal inhalers or for more severe reactions a nebuliser.

Be safe and take preventative measures if diagnosed with ‘Occupational Asthma’

Occupational Asthma is a serious condition brought on by our working practices. Once diagnosed you will need to be extra prudent when working with dust.  Obviously, it would be preferential to change your profession to something less likely to trigger an ‘Asthma Attack’. But if you are not in the position to change your profession you should consider using air purifier masks such as a Trend Airshield.

Does wood dust cause Cancer?

We all know somebody who has succumbed to the evil that is cancer. Wood dust exposure is recognised as a known carcinogen. Hardwoods are more dangerous than softwoods. Wood dust an associated cause of nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Woodworking is a very precarious occupation that does not have any reliable dust exposure level records.

Different woodworking task carry different risks

In woodworking, the production of fine wood dust differs from one woodworking task to another. Afterall sanding is the prime cause of uncollected wood dust. Sanding produces different grades of dust depending on the grit of the sandpaper used. The risk can be greatly reduced with the use of good dust extraction vacs.

Preventing woodworking induced Lung Cancer?

Woodworking produces a fine dust that becomes airborne. This dust can enter our lungs and linger in the bronchial ways. The prolonged exposure of carcinogenic wood dust is thought to contribute to the risk of lung cancer. It is thought that the risk is low but when you work 7 days a week for most normal people 5 days a week you are at more risk due to repeated exposure. 

The use of a neti bottle does not help prevent lung cancer. 

Although I am an avid Netti user some may say ‘addict’!

To reduce the risk of lung cancer while working with wood it is all about prevention.  Reducing the exposure of wood dust over the course of your woodworking career can greatly reduce the risk of contracting this sometimes deadly disease.

To state the obvious prevention is obviously better than cure.  If you are new to this wonderful woodworking career you should look to the future and take every precaution necessary.  Don’t Be a Fool like me and place your body into positions of great risk because of unprotected exposure to wood dust.

Working in large open spaces can prevent inhalation

We know working is outside is a good idea when we produce large quantities of wood dust. While in the workshop having more cubic meters of airspace for the dust to dilute is clearly a good idea. When we inhale it is beneficial to take in a higher ratio of O² compared to airborne dust.

What is Contact Dermatitis

Our bodies are covered with a self-healing flesh. Sadly our skin is not perfect thus it is susceptible to skin conditions. One common ailment to our skin is ‘Contact Dermatitis’ which I am prone.  Some people are born with this condition but others are sensitised to it. Prolonged exposure to Oak dust, for instance, is a known skin allergen.

The Finnish Institute Wood Dust Allergen Study

The Finnish institute examined a selection of woodworkers which were tested with a variety of timber dust. The wood in the Finnish research was: red cedar, pine, spruce, aspen, tropical teak, palisander, jacaranda, mahogany, walnut, punah and some common hardwoods.

The Finnish study of the effects of wood dust on woodworkers can be downloaded here

These timbers contain oils and resins that can cause sensitivity resulting in dermatitis.

Preventing contact dermatitis

Contact dermatitis is a very common condition which can sometimes be confused with eczema.  Contact dermatitis isn’t always very easy to avoid but not impossible. Obviously, the most common way of preventing contact dermatitis brought on by irritant wood dust is by wearing appropriate PPE ( personal protection equipment)in the form of latex gloves or barrier creams. Removing the irritant from your environment is the most important and obvious solution to contact dermatitis.

Good workshop air filtration can help prevent Irritant Contact & Allergic Dermatitis

The best way to prevent contact dermatitis is to prevent the dust from becoming airborne and landing on your skin or being inhaled.  The best form of prevention is air filtration and dust extraction systems but these will come at a price and sometimes it is not always cost-effective. I know some people say how do you put a cost on your life but sadly we don’t all live in the world where we have surplus money is to invest in expensive equipment. So the ideal solution, in my opinion, is to make changes in our work practices. This could be simple changes such as sanding your workpiece outside where the air to dust ratio is much greater instead of a confined workshop. 

A Wash Basin in the workshop can prevent Dermatitis

It may be a crazy suggestion but it is a very useful addition to any workshop to have a sink with cold water.   When we go about our work we tender to get carried away and don’t wash toxins off of the skin as readily as we should. My point being is that if there is a convenient wash point such as a sink or Basin then you are more likely to use it to wash your hands and face after a sanding session or between.

Barrier cremes can help protect you from ‘irritant contact dermatitis’

For some people, barrier creams may be the solution to prevent direct skin contact with wood dust. 

Be careful when using barrier creams… you may be allergic to lanolin!

Barrier cremes sometimes contain lanolin. Lanolin is a contact irritant for me and this is very common so be careful if you are using cremes that contain lanolin. My dermatitis is aggravated by Lanolin. Many skin creams contain lanolin including well-known eczema cream E45. I’m not alone as many people are allergic to lanolin.  You may not be allergic to lanolin but lanolin is a sensitizer so there is a possibility that you could develop an allergic reaction to lanolin.

What is Lanolin?

Lanolin is a wax that is secreted from the sebaceous glands of domestic sheep that are bred and raised for their fleeces.

I prefer not to use creams that contain lanolin or any chemicals

I do not recommend barrier creams or a chemical that could enter our blood through contact. In my opinion, the best prevention of contact dermatitis is to remove the risk of contact by good work practices.

Wood dust can damage your eyes

It is not only the inhalation of wood dust that is airborne from using woodworking machines but also the risk of eye damage. I have already this year had an emergency visit to the hospital for a particle which entered my eye.  Merely washing with an eyewash was not sufficient as they sharp wooden fibre penetrated the surface of the eyeball. 

The wearing of safety glasses or goggles is imperative if we are to reduce or remove the risk of eye damage.

Eye trauma is a very real risk to all woodworkers

Preventing eye trauma is actually quite easy a good pair of safety glasses can be the difference between you keeping your eyesight or losing it. it is so easy to take things for granted while working within the woodshop saying to ourselves, “well it is never gonna happen to me”.  this is a very silly attitude to take when we working environments that are susceptible to unpredictability. Pushing timber through the table saw and it pinches up on the back of the blade, the riving knife is too thin throwing the piece of wood back. The projectile potentially taking an eye out. In hindsight ‘if only I wore safety specs’, but then that moment of poor judgement has left me with only one eye. Hypothetically?

Dry eye syndrome

This common yet little talked about condition is nothing more than surface damage to the eye.  There are many factors that can cause dry eye syndrome.  

Here are some causes of dry eye syndrome:

• Overuse of mobile phones and tablets
• Excessive use of computer monitors
• Working in a dusty environment
• Exposing your eyes to the elements
• Reduced tear production from the tear ducts

May sound like feeble advice but ‘Blink’

It is best to seek medical advice but from somebody who suffers from dry eye syndrome, I regularly use fake tears or eye drops.  some basic precautions can help such as Removing yourself from dusty environments. The use of moisture chamber glasses helps prevent the eye surface from drying out.  

Have you noticed that when you are using your mobile phone or tablet that you don’t blink as much?

If the cause for your dry eye syndrome is the overuse of computer screens or tablets then making an effort to blink regularly will help.

Preventing ‘Dry Eye Syndrome’

Surface damage to eyes can occur due to overexposure to fine airborne dust that lands on the surface of our eyes. This dust behaves a bit like flour and will absorb any moisture resulting in the surface to dry out somewhat. If this happens on a regular basis our tear ducts cannot produce enough tears to heal and repair the surface of the eye leaving a rough surface that can be seen with a special dye. This surface deterioration of the eyes is usually reversible but requires the woodworker to take precautions against our eyes from drying out.  routine use of sealed safety specs or goggles that prevent the dust from entering will help somewhat. A visit to the doctor can prescribe you some special eye drops to lubricate the eye surface. These drugs behave like fake tears and lubricate the eyes where the tear ducts are struggling to keep up. 

• Simple precautions such as safety specs goggles but more impressively water chamber glasses are mechanical options of protection. 
• Drops obviously will help and vitamin or ointment or speed up the healing process
• Dry eye syndrome is not just a symptom of woodworking. In this modern lifestyle where we are regularly using screens, monitors, mobile phones or tablets these two can cause dry eye syndrome so the practice of remembering to blink or reducing consumption of mobile devices will certainly put us on the road to recovery.

Is wood dust a carcinogen?

Yes, wood dust is now considered a Group I carcinogen. A carcinogen affects our DNA causing mutations. Carcinogens held within wood dust can cause lung cancer.

Wood Dust can cause cancer?

Wood dust is now considered a Group I carcinogen. A carcinogen affects our DNA causing mutations. Carcinogens held within wood dust can cause lung cancer.

Hardwoods are considered the most dangerous compared to softwoods.

What is Wood dust?

Wood dust is the by-product of the woodwork. Wood dust is either fine or coarse depending on how it has been produced. Wood sawdust not only makes course but also fine dust but the worst is most likely wood sanding dust.

Woodworking and the dangers of wood dust

As a woodworker who works in the workshop on a daily basis, the risks are high.  Writing this blog has opened my eyes somewhat in the risks which I take while performing my daily tasks in the workshop. 

What is the most dangerous wood dust?

Any wood dust is dangerous but some wood dust is very toxic in larger quantities. At the bottom of this Blog is a list of timbers and their potential risks to health.

Preventing inhalation of wood dust?

A common-sense approach to the control of wood dust 

Make a dust control method statement. Why? You may ask but making a ‘Method Statement’ often enlightens you into the bad practices. This can heighten your knowledge of the risks and simple changes that could help.

How do I stop inhaling dust?

To be honest, I admit it is probably a tall order but you can certainly reduce your risk of wood dust inhalation. 

We have to remember that wood dust will become airborne and we are at risk of breathing it in.

You can reduce your inhalation of wood dust.

By making use of your tools dust extraction and a good dust extraction vacuum you can drastically reduce inhalation of wood dust. Cyclonic dust extraction machines are available on our Cyclonic Dust Extractor page.

You must be sure that your protection actually protects!

For any filtered protection you need to refer to the specification of the filter. The reason for this is that some timbers produce finer dust particles. For instance, fine dust from sanding walnut or cherry has more of a chance of getting past your filters that Oak or Pine.

A dust mask is imperative when all else fails

There are many situations where a dust mask has to be worn. Some woodworking practices have no possible way to collect dust efficiently. Hand sanding is a prime example of poor dust collection. 

But dust masks are uncomfortable!

Yes, this can be true and a pain when you have to wear all day. Simple paper masks are a compromise between a leaky mask and nothing at all. You could wear a 3M silicone mask with replaceable cartridges but I find these heavy and make your skin itch.

Neoprene carbon dust face mask

Neoprene dust masks are more comfortable than standard dust masks. These masks carry a carbon filter which helps to filter toxins.

Woodworking and dust control solutions?

Here I will try to give you some idea of the methods of dust control for each woodworking practice. Like I said before that it is best to control dust before it goes airborne. There are many dust extractor solutions but they all cost some money but you could just make some behavioural changes. 

A dust control system can be a per machine extraction vac or a central vac system.

Does the workshop size matter?

Working in claustrophobic spaces will not just feel cramped but also concentrate on the issue of airborne dust pollution. Small workshops are at more risk than a large workshop from dust pollution. It stands to reason that smaller volume but with the same quantity of dust particles is more dangerous than in a large workshop.  Obviously the concentration of dust to air ratio is much higher in a smaller environment. If you work within a small workshop it will be prudent to complete any sanding tasks outside if the weather permits. Otherwise be sure to wear appropriate PPE (personal protection equipment) and duste extraction sytems installed. This can be in the form of collect dust at source such as tool extraction vacs.

Woodworking factories invest heavily in health and safety. Health and safety precautions for large companies are pretty much dictated to by their insurers. Risks to employees are minimised to employees. 

Small woodworking businesses don’t take much notice of the risks of wood dust containing carcinogens. Let alone making a report of the risks by making ‘Risk Assessments’ 

Dust extraction with woodworking machines best practices

Modern woodworking machines have made huge advancements in dust collection. Virtually all machines have some form of dust control. Health and safety has played a huge part in enforcing the addition of dust extraction ports to our woodworking machines.

How good is dust extraction on woodworking machines?

Sorry to tell you that you will not be able to completely wipe out the inhalation of wood dust. It is always better to collect the wood dust at source but you have to be aware that some dust will escape into the atmosphere. Because of this fact, you must take secondary precautions such as the comfy dust mask!

By making use of your tools dust extraction and a good dust extraction vacuum you can drastically reduce inhalation of wood dust. Cyclonic dust extraction machines are available on our Cyclonic Dust Extractor page.

How to switch on extraction vac?

A problem I have found with dust extraction is that remembering to turn on the vac when starting a machine. You have a few options but the best solution is an automatic load sensing switch. So when you turn on a machine the switch senses a voltage drop and turns-on the tool extraction vac. You can buy these switches as a separate unit on some tool vacs have one installed. It is possible to make a load sensing switch with an Arduino device.

How do we control dust when hand sanding?

Using machines that have dust extraction ports connected to an extraction vac is preferable. When sanding by hand with a sanding block your dust collection options are limited to impossible. Where a good cartridge dust mask or a ‘Trend Airshield’ helmet. A vacuum table is a good investment when hand or machine sanding.

Do dust extraction vacuums work?

Good dust extraction vacuums work well but not 100% efficient. Choosing a good wood dust extraction unit is not simply just a vacuum cleaner with an appropriate connection tool. The filtration systems differ greatly. The pleated paper dust filters that are found in most workshop-style vacuums do not have enough surface area to be effective.

Appropriate dust extraction vacuums aren’t particularly cheap but you do get what you pay for. If unlike me you’re a bit of a tool tart and want the best no matter the cost then I would recommend the Festool CTM36 AC PLANEX. This machine is aimed at the ‘Planex sander’ for fine dust and suited for dry lining filled joint sanding. For most of us need a good Tool dust extractor with synchronised power the Festool CTM 26 range is a great choice. 

‌Good value for money dust extractor vacuum cleaner is the Fein Dustex 25l Which is half the price of a Festool. Fein Are better known for their multi-tool which has become the industry standard. Fein also makes other power tools of high quality. 

For a dust extractor designed for use with a power tool, for‌ ‌instance, the electric sander.  it is a good idea and frankly, I must for the dust extractor to have at least one synchronised power socket.

What is a synchronised power socket?

A synchronised power socket is designed to turn on the vacuum dust extractor when your power tool is turned on.  The turning on of the power tool creates a voltage drop which the synchronised power socket circuit sensors and we operate the vacuum dust extractor with a small delay.  When you stop using your power tool and release the trigger a second or two later the vacuum dust extractor will turn off.

Do workshop air purifiers work?

As a way to clean the air once you have stopped working an air purifier can be an asset. 

Workshop air purifiers or air cleaner consist of a fan and a filtration system. Workshop air filtration systems should not be considered as the complete solution. It is always best to control dust at source but when some sanding dust escapes the dust extraction system an air purifier is a great way to improve the air. 

There are a few air purifiers available for the workshop some good some bad some mediocre.  Don’t expect an air purifier even if it is designed for the workshop to be the perfect solution.  The Microclene air filter that we have in our workshop uses a simple foam filter which can be cleaned out easily or even washed.  Other air cleaning systems contain cloth filters which are more efficient but clog much quicker. We also have an Axminster air purifier with this same system. 

Air purifiers like you would see in domestic environments or even the kind that you find in a bar or pub are not the same.  These air purifiers are designed to take average dust conditions and not designed for high throughput workshops.

There are other systems available such as electrostatic air purifiers.

Cyclonic Dust Deputy

Dust deputy is a brand of cyclonic dust collection afterthought retrofits. These are effective and almost prevents any dust getting back to the atmosphere. You can use almost any shop vac with a dust deputy. 

Working with old reclaimed materials

We tend to think that wood is a natural material and we can be forgiven for that.  The one thing we must remember is that any natural material can be contaminated. Not just contaminated but also it can contain some  carcinogenic compounds.

Does new wood contain contaminants?

We have to remember that timber has a history and that history can contain artefacts.  These artefacts can be in the form of tiny foreign particles of toxins. My shutter building business is located in France in the Rural countryside.  The countryside has wildlife and some of that wildlife consists of rats and as you would expect that will run-walk and play on seasoning timber.  Some processed timber is left waiting for its final useful purpose. During this dormant time, it is likely that vermin and other toxins could fall upon the wood. 

Old used wood has history too

Like me would also have a history.  There’s history can be a variety of different situations that it has been exposed to.  Painted wood of modern times is coated with paint that is not toxic. If the timber is being repurposed after it has been stored post reclamation it is possible that there are some other toxins present.  Paint today is considered safe but a few decades ago paint contained lead. 

Does painted wood contain lead?

Old Paint containing lead is highly toxic.  As an example, my wife’s cousin died as a baby because he was chewing on a windowsill coated in toxic lead paint.  A sad story. 

Today we are more careful. We realised that some materials used in the past are incompatible with healthy living in the future. 

Upcycling can be dangerous

If working on old houses or Barns etc you should do a survey in the form of a risk assessment.  Without this risk assessment, you were taking unnecessary risks.

If you have to work with materials such as wood that has been treated with paint or other chemicals take precautions.  These precautions can be in the form of a dust mask or some form of respiratory equipment.

Simple detergents used in cleaning your home can soak into wood and drys into a residue which after multiple cleaning sessions over many years can leave a cocktail of chemicals. This is probably safe while the old wood is left alone. Once you start sanding the timber and make sanding dust then these chemicals become airborne. Once airborne this cocktail of poisonous dust can be breathed in.

Our lungs perform like a filter

You can tell yourself that all will be ok because my upper respiratory system can filter out particles. This is true to a point but our upper respiratory system can only filter out larger particles. You are a risk of inhaling small particles into your lungs contaminating your lungs and potentially your bloodstream.

The result of inhaling small particle toxins is reduced lung capacity.  The scarring to the pleural layers is irreversible. The pleural layers are within your lungs. 

Indirectly we are a risk of asbestosis

The end result of inhaling toxic long damaging particles is very similar to asbestosis.

Asbestosis is the scarring of the pleural layers within our lungs.  This is caused by the fibres of dangerous blue asbestos having double barbs.  Asbestosis is caused by asbestos which has these barbs scarring the pleural layers as we try to exhale the irritant fibres. Asbestosis is irreversible and in some cases, you will have to have oxygen provided by a cylinder. In time you’ll find it virtually impossible to breathe. Be careful take precaution do not inhale this dust. 

Asbestos was used as a fire retardant reinforcement fibre and often used in pipe lagging and other insulations.  If you have to remove asbestos hire a professional to do the clean-up. If you have no choice and must work with Asbestos wet it down thoroughly so the dust particles do not fly. Asbestos is not comparable to wood-related health and safety but be careful if the wood you are working on is close to asbestos.

Plastic homes are toxic

In the modern world, where are we fine Homes with plastic coated particle board?
The risk of inhalation of toxins is very high. While these materials are in their solid-state they are relativity safe. But in this modern world where we are told to recycle and reuse or even upcycle. We must take precaution and understand the material we are working with.  

Avoid modern materials

A modern material such as Conti Board, chipboard covered in a resin film. Is a carrier of two potential toxins that first spring to mind.  One is resin plastics and the other is the glue that bonds the particles together under high compression. 

Does MDF contain formaldehyde?

MDF is a very popular panel product. But frankly, I cannot understand why when the chemical used to embalm dead bodies formaldehyde is contained within  MDF. Medium-density fiberboard has been found to contain high concentrations of urea-formaldehyde adhesives. urea-formaldehyde is found in other Blues that is used in the production of engineered timber and sheet products.

Systemic poisons such as formaldehyde cause skin irritation and Burns.  The Dust from sanding materials that contain formaldehyde is a serious risk to health.  formaldehyde is thought to be a carcinogen.

Tanalised timber contains arsenic?

We have to take care of also for other chemical treatments. Wood treatments such as tanalised timber contain arsenic. Arsenic is actually a natural chemical and can be found in cherry stones. In the early 2000s, the arsenic component of tanalisation was removed under EU ruling. Yes, the European Union is a protectionist Union but after all, it is to protect us Europeans. 

Tanalised timber is widely used for exterior woodwork. If you find any softwood that has been outside for many years the likelihood it has been tanalised. If you must work on tanalised timber and producing some dust is a result of that. Take stringent precaution as they would dust from tanalised wood will contain high levels of toxins. These poisons are often found in old exterior wood could be in the form of arsenic. 

Brexit is not about democracy but disruption!

Brexit is a far-right European Union infiltration disruption Project. 

Remember that anything that has been coated or soaked into any timber that we want to work with our machines will expel its toxins in the form of wood dust.

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Dust from wood is not the only risk

Have you ever sat in front of the window when the sun is shining in and seen those spots of dust floating in your home? Well, I have and so I have now added some HEPA filtration systems to reduce airborne dust and spores.

Dust in the woodshop is not the only risk

Have you ever sat in front of the window when the sun is shining in and seen those spots of dust floating in your home? Well, I have and so I have now added some HEPA filtration systems to reduce airborne dust and spores.

All these particles end up as fine dust

I know we have wavered from the topic of workshop related dust inhalation but it is an issue. Just ask yourself how long you spend in bed? The bedroom is one great be vacuum bag of dust. Every time we move in bed we kick up a load of dust. This dust has a high percentage of dead skin cells not forgetting that bugs could be living and dying in your bed too.

Installing a home-based air filtration system is a good idea

There are simple solutions to reducing airborne dust in the hope to lower the associated risks. I have installed two portable 4 stage filtration units by Levoit. These units are affordable and surprising good especially the larger one with its auto setting. Just a thought and maybe if your worried about the problems associated with wood dust then your concerns should not be just in the workshop.

In Conclusion, is it possible to control wood dust inhalation?

In my experience trying to totally eliminate inhalation of wood dust is a little in vain. I have tried all sorts of solutions within my budget but never was able to completely eliminate it.

You can reduce airborne dust particles by spending money but you will soon realise that your investments will have diminishing returns.

So I will state the obvious, the best option in your journey to lower your personal and company risk of dusty inhalation to control it at source backed up by good appropriate dust masks.

What wood dust is toxic?

Wood Species	Reaction
Abura	irritant, nausea, giddiness, and vomiting
African Blackwood	irritant, sensitizer
Afrormosia	irritant, nervous system effects, asthma, splinters go septic
Afzelia	irritant, sneezing
Agba (Gossweilerodendron balsamiferum)	irritant
Ailanthus	irritant
Albizia	irritant, nausea, pink eye, giddiness, nose bleeds
Alder (Alnus genus)	irritant
Alligator Juniper	irritant
Amboyna	irritant, asthma
Andiroba	irritant, sneezing
Angelim vermelho	unspecific allergic reactions
Araracanga	irritant, asthma
Ash (Fraxinus genus)	irritant
Ash, alpine (Eucalyptus delegatensis)	irritant
Ash, mountain	irritant
Australian Blackwood	irritant, sensitizer, asthma
Australian Cashew Nut (Semecarpus australiensis)	irritant, skin lesions, nosebleeds
Avodire	irritant, nose bleeds, internal bleeding, asthma
Balsa	irritant
Bamboo	irritant
Batai	irritant, sneezing
Birch (Betula genus)	irritant, sensitizer, nausea
Black Cherry	wheezing, giddiness
Black Locust	irritant, nausea
Blackbean	irritant
Bloodwood	irritant, excessive thirst, salivation, nausea
Bloodwood, Red (Australian)	irritant
Blue Gum	irritant
Blue Mahoe	sneezing
Bocote	cross reactions possible once sensitivity to other woods have developed
Bosse	irritant, sensitizer, asthma, nausea, headache
Box, Gray	irritant, rash
Boxwood, Knysna (Gonioma kamassi)	irritant, headache, asthma
Boxwood, European	irritant, sensitizer
Brazilwood	irritant, headache, nausea, swelling skin, blisters
Brigalow (Acacia harpophylla)	irritant
Brownheart	irritant
Bubinga	irritant, lesions
Buckthorn	irritant, sap can cause dermatitis
Bulletwood	irritant
Camphor	irritant, asthma, headaches, giddiness
Cashew (Anacardium occidentale)	irritant, blisters, sensitizer
Catalpa	irritant
Cedar, Alaskan Yellow	irritant
Cedar, Aromatic Red	irritant
Cedar, Atlantic White	irritant
Cedar, Australian Red	irritant, asthma, migraine, giddiness, bronchitis, stomach cramps, NPC (rare)
Cedar, Incense	irritant, rashes
Cedar of Lebanon	irritant, asthma, runny nose, respiratory disorders
Cedar, Northern White	irritant, asthma
Cedar, Port Orford	irritant, runny nose, asthma, kidney problems (diuresis)
Cedar, Spanish	irritant
Cedar, Southern Red	irritant
Cedar, Western Red	irritant, sensitizer, runny nose, asthma, nervous system effects, NPC (rare)
Chechen	irritant, sensitizer
Chestnut, Chinese (Castanea mollissima)	irritant
Chestnut, Sweet	irritant, sensitizer
Chico Zapote	irritant (nasal)
Chinaberry	irritant, headaches
Cocobolo	irritant, sensitizer, nausea, asthma, pink eye
Cocuswood	irritant
Coolibah	irritant
Copaia (Jacaranda copaia)	irritant
Crow’s Ash (Flindersia australis)	irritant
Cuban Mahogany	irritant
Cypress	sensitizer
Cypress, Australian	irritant, asthma, swelling of eyelids, boils, NPC (rare)
Cypress, Gowen	irritant
Cypress, Leyland	irritant
Cypress, Mediterranean	irritant, rashes, headaches
Cypress, Mexican	irritant
Cypress, Monterey	irritant
Dahoma (Piptadeniastrum africanum)	irritant, sensitizer
Dead Finish (Acacia tetragonophylla)	irritant, splinters go septic
Douglas-fir	irritant, giddiness, runny nose, splinters go septic, nausea
Ebony (Diospyros genus)	irritant, sensitizer, pink eye
Ebony, Brown	irritant
Ebony, Macassar	irritant, sensitizer
Ekki	irritant
Elm (Ulmus genus)	irritant, sensitizer, NPC (rare)
European Beech	irritant, sensitizer, NPC (rare)
Eyoum (Dialium dinklagei)	irritant
Fir (Abies genus)	irritant
Fir, Balsam	irritant
Freijo	irritant, sensitizer, dryness/thirst
Garapa	irritant
Goncalo Alves	sensitizer
Grasstree (Xanthorrhoea spp.)	irritant
Greenheart	sensitizer, wheezing, severe throat irritation, splinters go septic, cardiac and intestinal disorders
Guanacaste	irritant
Gum, Lemon-Scented	irritant
Gum, Spotted	irritant, rashes
Gum, Yellow	irritant
Hackberry	irritant
Hemlock, Eastern	irritant
Hemlock, Mountain	irritant
Hemlock, Western	irritant, runny nose, NPC (rare)
Hophornbeam	irritant
Hornbeam (Carpinus genus)	irritant
Idigbo	irritant
Imbuia	irritant
Indian Beech (Pongamia pinnata)	irritant
Indian Laurel	irritant
Ipe	irritant, headache, asthma, vision effects
Iroko	irritant, sensitizer, asthma, boils, giddiness, HP
Ironwood, Desert	irritant, sneezing, coughing
Jarrah	irritant
Jatoba	irritant
Jelutong	irritant
Juniper, Phoenician (Juniperus phoenicea)	irritant, headache, nausea
Kahikatea (Dacrycarpus dacrydioides)	irritant
Karri	irritant
Katalox	irritant
Keruing	irritant
Kingwood	irritant, sensitizer, pink eye
Koto	irritant
Laburnum	constitutional effects (nausea, vomiting, headaches); direct toxin
Lacewood	irritant
Larch (Larix genus)	irritant, hives, lesions
Leadwood (Combretum genus)	irritant
Lebbeck	irritant
Lignum Vitae	irritant
Limba	irritant, hives, splinters go septic, asthma, bleeding of the nose and gums
Machiche	irritant
Magnolia (Magnolia genus)	asthma, runny nose
Mahogany, African	irritant, sensitizer, NPC (rare)
Mahogany, Honduran	irritant, sensitizer, boils, nausea, giddiness, asthma, HP
Mahogany, Santos	irritant
Makore	irritant, nausea, headache, giddiness, nervous system and blood effects
Mango	irritant
Mansonia	irritant, sensitizer, nausea, sneezing, headaches, nosebleeds, splinters go septic, asthma, giddiness, cardiac disorders
Maple (Acer genus)	irritant, sensitizer, asthma; HP in spalted maple
Maple, Queensland	irritant
Meranti (Shorea genus)	irritant
Merbau	irritant
Mesquite (Prosopis genus)	irritant
Messmate	irritant, asthma
Milky Mangrove (Excoecaria agallocha)	sap is poisonous, causes irritation to eyes and/or temporary blindness, headache, burning of throat, blistering of skin
Mimosa	irritant
Moabi	irritant (mucous membranes)
Molopangady (Breonia madagascariensis)	irritant, sores
Monkeypod	irritant
Mora	irritant
Movingui	irritant
Muhuhu (Brachylaena hutchinsii)	irritant
Mulga	irritant, headache, nausea, lesions, wood contains a virulent poisonous principle used for spear heads by aboriginals
Muninga	irritant, asthma, bronchitis
Myrtle	irritant, sensitizer
Myrtle, Tasmanian	irritant
Narra	irritant, asthma
Norway Spruce	irritant, asthma
Nyatoh	irritant
Oak (Quercus genus)	irritant, sensitizer, asthma, NPC(rare)
Obeche	irritant, sensitizer, runny nose, sneezing, hives, asthma
Okoume	irritant, cough, asthma, pink eye
Oleander (Nerium oleander)	irritant, nearly every part of the plant is toxic, cardiac effects
Olive	irritant, sensitizer
Opepe	irritant, sensitizer, nervous system effects
Osage Orange	irritant, sap can cause dermatitis
Osage Orange, Argentine	irritant, sap can cause dermatitis
Padauk (Pterocarpus genus)	irritant, sensitizer, nausea, asthma
Palm (Arecaceae family)	irritant, constitutional effects
Parinari (Parinari spp.)	irritant
Partridgewood	irritant, hives, coughing
Pau Ferro	irritant, sensitizer
Pau Marfim (Balfourodendron riedelianum)	irritant
Pau Rosa	irritant
Pau Santo	irritant
Peroba Rosa	irritant, sensitizer, nausea, asthma
Persimmon	irritant
Pheasantwood	cavities in the wood can contain powder that is an irritant, skin discoloration
Pine (Pinus genus)	irritant, runny nose, asthma
Pine, Huon	irritant
Pistachio	irritant
Poison Walnut (Cryptocarya pleurosperma)	bark irritating to skin, dust may cause asthma, nausea, giddiness,sap is toxic and corrosive
Poplar	irritant, blisters, asthma, bronchitis
Primavera	irritant, sensitizer
Purpleheart	irritant, sensitizer, nausea
Quebracho	irritant, nausea, NPC (rare)
Quina	irritant
Ramin	irritant, splinters go septic, asthma
Redwood	irritant, sensitizer, asthma, HP, NPC (rare)
Rengas	sap is strongly irritating, blisters, ulcers, fever, constitutional effects
Rhodesian Teak	irritant
Rose Butternut (Blepharocarya involucrigera)	irritant, pink eye
Rosewood (Dalbergia genus)	irritant, sensitizer, asthma
Rosewood, Brazilian	irritant, sensitizer
Rosewood, East Indian	irritant, sensitizer
Rosewood, Siamese	irritant, rash, hives, sensitizer
Rubberwood	irritant, sensitizer (latex allergy)
Saffron-Heart (Halfordia scleroxyloa)	irritant, splinters go septic, lung congestion
Santa Maria (Calophyllum brasiliense)	irritant, fainting, insomnia, kidney damage
Sassafras	sensitizer, nausea, respiratory, direct toxin, NPC (rare)
Sapele	irritant, sneezing
Satinwood, East Indian	irritant, headache, diarrhea, sensitizer
Satinwood, West Indian	irritant, diarrhea, rash, blisters, sensitizer
Shittim (Acacia seyal)	irritant, coughing
Silky Oak, Northern	irritant
Silky Oak, Southern	irritant, sap may cause blistering of skin, eyelid inflammation
Simarouba (Simarouba amara)	irritant
Sissoo	irritant
Slash Pine	irritant, asthma
Snakewood	irritant
Sneezewood	irritant, oils within the wood cause violent sneezing
Spruce (Picea genus)	irritant, sensitizer
Sucupira (Bowdichia nitida)	irritant
Sugi	unspecified allergic reactions
Sumac (Rhus spp.)	irritant, bark may cause blisters
Sweetgum	irritant
Tali (Erythrophleum suaveolens)	irritant, headache, giddiness, nausea, disorders of bowels and stomach
Tambootie	irritant, diarrhea, blindness, direct toxin
Tatajuba	irritant
Teak	irritant, sensitizer, rash, nausea, asthma, vision effects, pink eye, HP
Thuya	irritant
Tiama (Entandrophragma angolense)	irritant
Turpentine	irritant, swelling
Tzalam	cold-like symptoms
Utile	irritant
Verawood	sneezing
Walnut, African	irritant, systemic effects, NPC(rare)
Walnut, Black	irritant, sensitizer, NPC (rare)
Walnut, English	irritant, NPC (rare)
Wamara	irritant
Wenge	irritant, sensitizer, splinters go septic, nervous system effects, abdominal cramps
Western Hemlock	irritant, NPC (rare)
Western Juniper (Juniperus occidentalis)	irritant
White Peroba (Paratecoma peroba)	irritant, sensitizer, asthma
Willow (Salix spp.)	sensitizer, nausea, NPC (rare)
Yew (Taxus spp.)	irritant, nausea, headache, cardiac effects, direct toxin
Yellowheart	irritant
Zebrawood	sensitizer
Ziricote	cross reactions possible once sensitivity to other woods have developed
Zitan	irritant, vomiting

Information on timber supplied by Eric Meier’s website https://www.wood-database.com

buy his book here https://www.wood-database.com/book/