One of Popular Science's 100 Cool Things of 2005...

http://tinyurl.com/9k9b8

TimberSIL employs sodium silicate, a mixture of sand and soda ash used
since the 1800s in detergents and as an egg preservative. Lumber soaks
in it under pressure, then bakes until an insoluble matrix of amorphous
glass hardens throughout the wood. No amount of rain or wear will
remove it-bugs can look, but they can't touch. $4.50 per 8-foot 2x4

On 15 Nov 2005 20:44:01 -0800, "Dhakala"
wrote:

One of Popular Science's 100 Cool Things of 2005...

http://tinyurl.com/9k9b8

TimberSIL employs sodium silicate, a mixture of sand and soda ash used
since the 1800s in detergents and as an egg preservative. Lumber soaks
in it under pressure, then bakes until an insoluble matrix of amorphous
glass hardens throughout the wood. No amount of rain or wear will
remove it-bugs can look, but they can't touch. $4.50 per 8-foot 2x4

Did they happen to mention how one cuts this "glass filled" lumber and
the nature of the dust?

Best guess without an MSDS - silica dust and wood dust. Long-term exposure
to silica dust = silicosis.

Did they happen to mention how one cuts this "glass filled" lumber and
the nature of the dust?

TimberSIL's MSDS can be downloaded at
http://www.timbersil.com/product-research.html

Here is the related section:

HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION
Emergency Overview: Clear amorphous solid matrix; inert and
non-irritating, present throughout wood. (Although this information
is presented for TimberSil™ converted glass matrix, the primary
material present in an emergency situation is wood; standard
precautions related to wood should also be followed.)

Eye contact: If present as dust, wear safety glasses, otherwise N/A.
Skin contact: Non-irritant
Inhalation: A suitable respiratory protective device is recommended
for high levels of dust, if present, see
Section 8, otherwise N/A.
Ingestion: N/A.
Chronic hazards: No known chronic hazards.
Physical hazards: No known physical hazards.
NFPA and HMIS ratings (scale 0-4): Health = 1; Fire = 0, Reactivity =
0

4. FIRST AID MEASURES: Product is infused into wood, and is innocuous.
Follow precautions for wood dust, if present.

After Inhalation: If present as dust and quantities inhaled in excess
of section 8, supply fresh air; provide medical attention in case of
complaints. Otherwise, N/A.
After Eye: If present as dust, flush eyes with plenty of water to
remove any solid particles. Otherwise, N/A.
After Skin: If present as dust, if desired, brush off or wash off
skin. Otherwise, N/A.
After Ingestion: N/A