The irritant scarring caused by inorganics, and the adsorption and release
of metal and other contaminants by (charcoal) particulates are not analogs
for wood, any more than volatile organics in tobacco smoke.

Seems pretty clear.

"Ken Moon" wrote in message
link.net...
Hi,
Although Lyn's message below seem to target metallic irritants, the
association with woodturning comes from the microscopic particles
generated
with the sanding operations. The PM 2.5 regulations, if they are ever
enacted in this country will help in the public and industrial areas, but
it
is up to individuals to take care of themselves. The effects of ultra
small
particles are shown in the illnesses of silicosis (white lung, found in
workes around crushed stone and quarries), black lung found in coal miners
and the thousands who die of lung cancer every year from smoking. These
smallest particles go so much deeper into the minute air passages that
they
can not be expelled by normal breathing or coughing. So they remain there,
carcinogenic or not, blocking all areas past where they stop, blocking air
that would normally be absorbed into the blood stream. Even if they are
not
carcinogenic, they cause significant damage.
It's up to each of us to learn to take care of ourselves.