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alan morrison

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I have been reading a thread on the IAP forum entitled " Allergic reaction to wood " and there are some pretty horrific reactions to different species.
This is new to me as I have not had any problem ( I won't say "touch wood " ! )
Is the problem more associated with exotic timbers ?
Anyone with an allergic reaction? What timbers ? and what remedy/precautions?

Thanks
Alan
 

Lons

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Allergies can build up over time and exposure Alan. I get some reaction now to mahogany though I believe that is because I machined a lot of reclaimed school bench timber over a period of time and was a bit careless with dust collection. :goesred:

Normal PPE, protect eyes and lungs and use barrier cream on bare skin if you can is my approach these days. Exotics, are well known to give some nasty reactions. If you think about it there are a number of woods that are a bit toxic in their growing state, labunum and yew come to mind without looking.
 

Dalboy

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It all depends on the individual as to the Allergies and reactions they have to different woods. Not just exotics but homegrown as well. As already stated take the correct precautions whenever working with wood
 

Penpal

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All answers are to be found on the net through Google. You could listen for ten years to individual people (Woodworkers) on this subject and you will get as many variations as persons.This problem is not one of exotic versus grown in country of origen but the very nature of individual timbers. Scientific Studies on this subject are legion,suffice to say what affects you me and the next person depends on mitigating factors such as health ,environment and age.

An example many years ago we had demos by an American Woodturner who demonstrated around the world turning on a lathe Western Style hats. In our instance world famous and knowlegeable turners provided a 40 kg block of Silky Oak,the guy used it and broke out in extreme blisters and a terrible reaction needing urgent medical treatment. In my youth Silky Oak was readily available in Australia and used for a huge number of projects safely on buildings and furniture.

Asking this question that is as broad as it is long can be brought down simply by listings already known telling which timber to use or avoided at all costs,indeed many are carcionogenicilly defined. Easily found on the net. In my wood group we have lost a few members to allergic reactions to timber.

Good fortune in your quest.

A serious problem existed with automotive fuel petrol here in Australia causing dependance,death resulting in a huge number of indiginous people sniffing the substance. This an example of wrongful use of Petrol. Aeroplanes were drained at airports where essential services were disabled to feed what was defined as a habit resulting in the case of Outback mercy flights had to be cancelled using the Flying Doctor Services etc,results deaths of patients.

Your question needs you to do the research initially,if you feel inclined to pursue woodworking as has been said you should take basic precautions personally and in every workshop.Recently in my Wood Guild a demonstrator attempted to turn a huge block of Aussie timber of aq huge size simply forgot to check the speed of the lathe,started it up on full speed the timber flew off the lathe,smashed a window and landed on this guys head causing severe injuries. This man has been an academic and knowledgeable woodworker in retirement now so allergy matters are but one part of woodworking that demands personal research. Good luck.

Peter.
 

Penpal

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Go to U Beaut look up Health Habits and Wood alphabetised. Apparently all wood dust is labelled Carcianogenic. When I worked for CSIRO Commonwealth Scientific Research Organisation they used Huon Pine Oil from Tasmania as a Phrimone to attracct Insects it was declared and abandoned as Cancer forming. I guess a tree that lives to 3000 yrs must defend itself.

Peter.
 

Phil Dart

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Gosh - that's a pretty extensive list Peter. Just goes to show how important PPE is. I can't honestly say I've ever knowingly been effected by any wood I've worked, but that's probably more to do with good luck prevailing over ignorance and stupidity. It's true to say though that I'm a lot more cautious in the workshop (PPE etc) these days than I ever used to be in my past.
 

alan morrison

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I found this site very helpful. Scary stuff really. Over exposure to any wood dust IMHO is not a good idea

Wood Allergies and Toxicity | The Wood Database

Cheers
Thanks for the info Frederick and the link.
I don't know if you have read the thread in IAP, a lot of their experiences ( bad ) were from skin rashes so people were wearing gloves and changing turning clothes before going into the house etc., as well as lung protection.
Alan
 
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