Question about toxicity of wood, particularly "exotic" or at least from the
far corners of the world. What are typical problems,how is the toxin
transmitted, what are typical symptoms and is there need for prevention more
than just the typical common sense?

A partial list of transmissions could be
dust inhalation
dust in mucus membranes, e.g. eyes, nose
surface irritants picked up by touching with skin

and a partial list of preventions will always be a dust mask, good dust
collection, face shield,
but what else?

I picked up some pallet wood from who-knows-where but there are several nice
boards in it, some look like mahogany (not that nice), others are reddish to
pink, fine closed grain, and some of it is yellow and softer and some is
very coarse, very hard, heavy and grainy (bitch'n splinters).

I haven't had any problems with it, but just to be on the safe side ... good
advise is worth considering.
Thanks in advance.

--

Stephen

On Mon, 12 Apr 2004 06:49:24 GMT, Stephen wrote:



Question about toxicity of wood, particularly "exotic" or at least
from the far corners of the world. What are typical problems,how is
the toxin

I'm of the feeling that just because a peice of wood from half way
around the world there is no reason for it to be any more 'toxic' than
something from your back yard. Or should I rephrase that to say
'something from your back yard may not be any less toxic than..."

I have a mild-severe reaction to Walnut bark from greenwood. Dust
raised when sanding, or maybe just cutting Spalted wood carries lots
of Fungus. What I'm trying to say is to be carefull with all woods
and the byproduct of turning.

mike


--
Michael Vore, W3CCV M-ASA [Ka8]; WHIRL, ABC; CAW, CW, AAW
http://mike.vorefamily.net/omw - NEW * * Turned Wood items
http://mike.vorefamily.net/twr -The weblog

"Stephen" wrote in
news:UZqec.85174$Ig.69340@pd7tw2no:

Question about toxicity of wood, particularly "exotic" or at least
from the far corners of the world. What are typical problems,how is
the toxin transmitted, what are typical symptoms and is there need for
prevention more than just the typical common sense?

A partial list of transmissions could be
dust inhalation
dust in mucus membranes, e.g. eyes, nose
surface irritants picked up by touching with skin

and a partial list of preventions will always be a dust mask, good
dust collection, face shield,
but what else?

I picked up some pallet wood from who-knows-where but there are
several nice boards in it, some look like mahogany (not that nice),
others are reddish to pink, fine closed grain, and some of it is
yellow and softer and some is very coarse, very hard, heavy and grainy
(bitch'n splinters).

I haven't had any problems with it, but just to be on the safe side
... good advise is worth considering.
Thanks in advance.


Can't really provide any more info than to cite a couple of web sites
dealing with toxicity and wood..maybe you already know about them as they
have been passed around around numerous newsgroups?

http://www.mimf.com/archives/toxic.htm

http://www.cs.rochester.edu/u/roche/...isc/wood.toxic

GJP

Google this group on eg. toxic wood, bad wood, or google the web, you'll
find plenty.

Seems the consensus is that all woods are carginogenic in fine particles,
while some cause allergies, dermatitis etc.

So take care; cover up, use face masks, get some exhaust happening in your
workshop.

Downer huh!

Ern
GJP wrote in message ...
"Stephen" wrote in
news:UZqec.85174$Ig.69340@pd7tw2no:

Question about toxicity of wood, particularly "exotic" or at least
from the far corners of the world. What are typical problems,how is
the toxin transmitted, what are typical symptoms and is there need for
prevention more than just the typical common sense?

A partial list of transmissions could be
dust inhalation
dust in mucus membranes, e.g. eyes, nose
surface irritants picked up by touching with skin

and a partial list of preventions will always be a dust mask, good
dust collection, face shield,
but what else?

I picked up some pallet wood from who-knows-where but there are
several nice boards in it, some look like mahogany (not that nice),
others are reddish to pink, fine closed grain, and some of it is
yellow and softer and some is very coarse, very hard, heavy and grainy
(bitch'n splinters).

I haven't had any problems with it, but just to be on the safe side
... good advise is worth considering.
Thanks in advance.


Can't really provide any more info than to cite a couple of web sites
dealing with toxicity and wood..maybe you already know about them as they
have been passed around around numerous newsgroups?

http://www.mimf.com/archives/toxic.htm

http://www.cs.rochester.edu/u/roche/...isc/wood.toxic

GJP

See
http://www.ubeaut.com.au/woodstuf.htm
click on Bad woods
for some data on species' toxicity.

Cheers,

Ern

"Ern Reeders" wrote in message
...
Google this group on eg. toxic wood, bad wood, or google the web, you'll
find plenty.

Seems the consensus is that all woods are carginogenic in fine particles,
while some cause allergies, dermatitis etc.

So take care; cover up, use face masks, get some exhaust happening in your
workshop.

Downer huh!

Ern
GJP wrote in message ...
"Stephen" wrote in
news:UZqec.85174$Ig.69340@pd7tw2no:

Question about toxicity of wood, particularly "exotic" or at least
from the far corners of the world. What are typical problems,how is
the toxin transmitted, what are typical symptoms and is there need for
prevention more than just the typical common sense?

A partial list of transmissions could be
dust inhalation
dust in mucus membranes, e.g. eyes, nose
surface irritants picked up by touching with skin

and a partial list of preventions will always be a dust mask, good
dust collection, face shield,
but what else?

I picked up some pallet wood from who-knows-where but there are
several nice boards in it, some look like mahogany (not that nice),
others are reddish to pink, fine closed grain, and some of it is
yellow and softer and some is very coarse, very hard, heavy and grainy
(bitch'n splinters).

I haven't had any problems with it, but just to be on the safe side
... good advise is worth considering.
Thanks in advance.


Can't really provide any more info than to cite a couple of web sites
dealing with toxicity and wood..maybe you already know about them as
they
have been passed around around numerous newsgroups?

http://www.mimf.com/archives/toxic.htm

http://www.cs.rochester.edu/u/roche/...isc/wood.toxic

GJP

I had a BAD reaction to Rosewood when I put a piece of that on my lathe.
Where ever there was a shaving, I had a reaction on my skin. Unfortunately,
this didn't show up until that night \ next day, so I went merrily along my
way with shavings all over my neck, arms, chest (shavings went down my
shirt). I looked it up on that toxicity web page and I see it is one of the
most potent and common reactions, so at least I felt like it wasn't too
abnormal. It was so bad though, I had to get the steroids and everything to
get it under control. Of course, I wasn't finished with the piece, so I had
to figure out something. I bundled up completely and used rubber gloves and
duct tape my wrist areas (between gloves and sweat shirt) and put a mask and
covered over my face, neck and head. It worked to some extent, but I ended
up get a nice rash on my temple area ... it happened when I would reach up
and take off my safety glasses (had dust on my finger tips).

With that said - I learned that I can't work with Rosewood. I also like to
use long sleeves when I turn things just so I don't get a lot of shavings on
my arms where it is really exposed. Paranoid maybe ... but once bitten,
twice shy.

Darren
"Stephen" wrote in message
news:UZqec.85174$Ig.69340@pd7tw2no...
Question about toxicity of wood, particularly "exotic" or at least from
the
far corners of the world. What are typical problems,how is the toxin
transmitted, what are typical symptoms and is there need for prevention
more
than just the typical common sense?

A partial list of transmissions could be
dust inhalation
dust in mucus membranes, e.g. eyes, nose
surface irritants picked up by touching with skin

and a partial list of preventions will always be a dust mask, good dust
collection, face shield,
but what else?

I picked up some pallet wood from who-knows-where but there are several
nice
boards in it, some look like mahogany (not that nice), others are reddish
to
pink, fine closed grain, and some of it is yellow and softer and some is
very coarse, very hard, heavy and grainy (bitch'n splinters).

I haven't had any problems with it, but just to be on the safe side ...
good
advise is worth considering.
Thanks in advance.

--

Stephen

On Mon, 19 Apr 2004 12:08:40 -0700, "Darren"
hurled these words of wisdom into the ether:

I had a BAD reaction to Rosewood when I put a piece of that on my lathe.

Was it an actual rosewood (dalbergia sp.) or one of the ersatz
rosewoods, like "Bolivian Rosewood" aka morado? The dalbergias don't
give me any problems...nor do any other woods...except for that
stinking Bolivian. That stuff made me break out exactly the same way
you appear to have. And to add insult to injury, the same areas that
were broken out before have become hyper-sensitized to heat/humidity,
so that when I come out of the shower, it looks like I was exposed all
over again, and my last exposure was many months ago.


-
Chuck *#:^)
chaz3913(AT)yahoo(dot)com
ANTI-SPAM Sig - Remove NOSPAM from email to reply


September 11, 2001 - Never Forget

Late to this thread but was wondering if there isn't some creme that could
be applied to skin surface that would provide some protection? Ideally it
would go on, dry and wash off fairly easy with soap and water.
"Chuck" wrote in message
...
On Mon, 19 Apr 2004 12:08:40 -0700, "Darren"
hurled these words of wisdom into the ether:

I had a BAD reaction to Rosewood when I put a piece of that on my lathe.

Was it an actual rosewood (dalbergia sp.) or one of the ersatz
rosewoods, like "Bolivian Rosewood" aka morado? The dalbergias don't
give me any problems...nor do any other woods...except for that
stinking Bolivian. That stuff made me break out exactly the same way
you appear to have. And to add insult to injury, the same areas that
were broken out before have become hyper-sensitized to heat/humidity,
so that when I come out of the shower, it looks like I was exposed all
over again, and my last exposure was many months ago.


-
Chuck *#:^)
chaz3913(AT)yahoo(dot)com
ANTI-SPAM Sig - Remove NOSPAM from email to reply


September 11, 2001 - Never Forget

On Tue, 20 Apr 2004 14:51:22 -0500, "Kevin"
hurled these words of wisdom into the ether:

Late to this thread but was wondering if there isn't some creme that could
be applied to skin surface that would provide some protection? Ideally it
would go on, dry and wash off fairly easy with soap and water.

I've never used a barrier cream for it, but if you're reaction isn't
severe, it might be worth a try. It's just easier for me to avoid it,
because there are so many other woods I can turn with no problem.


-
Chuck *#:^)
chaz3913(AT)yahoo(dot)com
ANTI-SPAM Sig - Remove NOSPAM from email to reply


September 11, 2001 - Never Forget

Try IvyBlock. You can get it at Walgreens and probably most other drug stores.

Bill

In article , says...
Late to this thread but was wondering if there isn't some creme that could
be applied to skin surface that would provide some protection? Ideally it
would go on, dry and wash off fairly easy with soap and water.
"Chuck" wrote in message
...
On Mon, 19 Apr 2004 12:08:40 -0700, "Darren"
hurled these words of wisdom into the ether:

I had a BAD reaction to Rosewood when I put a piece of that on my lathe.

Was it an actual rosewood (dalbergia sp.) or one of the ersatz
rosewoods, like "Bolivian Rosewood" aka morado? The dalbergias don't
give me any problems...nor do any other woods...except for that
stinking Bolivian. That stuff made me break out exactly the same way
you appear to have. And to add insult to injury, the same areas that
were broken out before have become hyper-sensitized to heat/humidity,
so that when I come out of the shower, it looks like I was exposed all
over again, and my last exposure was many months ago.


-
Chuck *#:^)
chaz3913(AT)yahoo(dot)com
ANTI-SPAM Sig - Remove NOSPAM from email to reply


September 11, 2001 - Never Forget

I don't know what kind of rosewood it was. I now stay away from it all
together. I am a tad paranoid now too when doing more exotic woods.

I know exactly what you are talking about in regard to the "rash" coming
back when I sweat or in the shower. It was like that way for months after
the rash, but now I don't think it happens any more (haven't noticed it any
ways).

To prevent this, I don't know if I would trust "barrier cream". Any little
spec that hit my skin seemed to irritate it. I "might" turn rosewood in
the future if I had a moon suit on ... even then, I would be hestitant
because the dust \ shavings would still be in my shop.

Darren

"Chuck" wrote in message
...
On Mon, 19 Apr 2004 12:08:40 -0700, "Darren"
hurled these words of wisdom into the ether:

I had a BAD reaction to Rosewood when I put a piece of that on my lathe.

Was it an actual rosewood (dalbergia sp.) or one of the ersatz
rosewoods, like "Bolivian Rosewood" aka morado? The dalbergias don't
give me any problems...nor do any other woods...except for that
stinking Bolivian. That stuff made me break out exactly the same way
you appear to have. And to add insult to injury, the same areas that
were broken out before have become hyper-sensitized to heat/humidity,
so that when I come out of the shower, it looks like I was exposed all
over again, and my last exposure was many months ago.


-
Chuck *#:^)
chaz3913(AT)yahoo(dot)com
ANTI-SPAM Sig - Remove NOSPAM from email to reply


September 11, 2001 - Never Forget

"Darren" wrote in message

I don't know what kind of rosewood it was. I now stay away from it all
together. I am a tad paranoid now too when doing more exotic woods.

I know exactly what you are talking about in regard to the "rash" coming
back when I sweat or in the shower. It was like that way for months
after
the rash, but now I don't think it happens any more (haven't noticed it
any
ways).

To prevent this, I don't know if I would trust "barrier cream". Any
little
spec that hit my skin seemed to irritate it. I "might" turn rosewood in
the future if I had a moon suit on ... even then, I would be hestitant
because the dust \ shavings would still be in my shop.

I'm not sure I'd be as worried about the rash, Darren, as the possibility of
inhaling enough of the dust to go into anaphylaxis. You are obviously
extremely hypersensitive to the stuff.

Max

On Fri, 23 Apr 2004 21:54:08 GMT, "Maxprop"
hurled these words of wisdom into the ether:


I'm not sure I'd be as worried about the rash, Darren, as the possibility of
inhaling enough of the dust to go into anaphylaxis. You are obviously
extremely hypersensitive to the stuff.

Topical irritation isn't indicative of a systemic reaction to an
allergen, which is what anaphylaxis is. I have a pretty severe skin
reaction to morado (the aforementioned "bolivian rosewood") but it
causes no other allergic reactions whatsoever, and I am an asthmatic.
AAMOF, the only thing I've ever turned that gave me any breathing
difficulties was some bone-dry birch, which actually just made my
throat sore.


-
Chuck *#:^)
chaz3913(AT)yahoo(dot)com
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September 11, 2001 - Never Forget