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Thanks...

Reviewing your chart, I did not see pine, one of the more common woods used by woodworkers. How harmful is pine dust in the overall scheme of things?

The chart lists 2 "OAKS". One red, one white, how does that go?

Ted,

The dust itself is as harmful as any wood dust to the lungs. However, pine is not a wood that is very common to cause allergic reactions. This doesn't mean that it can't happen, just for most folks, it's unlikely.

There is one thing to keep in mind though and that's the fact that many of the woods listed in the article including pine can contain spalting. Spalting is caused by a fungus that grows in the wood. This happens as a piece of wood starts to decay.

Most woods don't bother me unless it has spalting in it. Then my asthma can really bother me if I don't wear a respirator. Even if you don't have asthma, I would strongly advise anyone to wear a respirator when working with spalted woods.

Hopes this helps.

Kind regards,

Craig Stevens

John,

The chart lists all "Oaks" together but separates them into two different "Reactions". One for being a Sensitizer and one for possibly causing Nasopharyngeal Cancer. That's why one of the oaks has a reaction listed as (S) and the other has a (C). This difference in reactions causes the other columns to be different as well, this is why they couldn't combine the two "oaks".

The same goes for some of the other woods listed on the chart such as sassafras which has three columns because it has three distinct "reactions".

I hope this helps.

Craig Stevens

My experience was with plywood which developed a visible fungus on a small patch. I used a respirator and eye goggles while sanding this fungus, but I forgot about my ears. I developed an infection in one ear which took two different special ointments from the Doctor to finally cure.
Do Not forget about ear protection from a fungus.
Regards,
Jim

How about Poplar?

Rolland,

I wasn't able to find much on poplar for some reason. I did find one article that talked about poplar causing dermatitis (with sawdust contact) and rhinitis.

Some people my think they have a reaction to poplar because it's used in many sheet good materials. However, the culprit is usually formaldehyde (although this has been replaced in some sheet goods).

From what I've been able to dig up on poplar, it would probably be listed in the category of not likely to occur, but doesn't mean it can't.

The best defense against having any reaction to wood dust is to use simple precautions. Dust mask/respirator and wearing clothes that cover the skin if you're using woods that you've either had a reaction to in the past or using a wood that is likely to cause a reaction on the skin.

Hope this helps.

Craig

Hi Guys,
Let me commend you on your site and the work that you are doing. I live in Trinidad, That is one Island of the twin Island state of Trinidad & Tobago in the Caribbean.

I would like to share with the community some information on a problem which affected me. It is called "Tinnitus".
Tinnitus is a constant ringing in the ear.

You may research this and form your opinion, however, let me tell you how tis problem started with me. I was using my 24" Thicknessing Plane and the blade was pretty dull. The process of changing the blade is a bit tedious, so I endure the noise for about half an hour.
Following that time, I immediately began to hear a constant ringing noise in my ear which I interpret as an external noise at the time. Since then that ringing sound has never stopped.

I have sort medical treatment, but was advised that no cure is available.

So Guys, be careful with shop noise and dull tools, because this condition is very distressing and the ringing never stop.

Here is a good one. "My surname is Belgraves and I have always been called BEL.

Thanks for the opportunity.

Bel.

Bel,

Thanks so much for your email. I wish I had thought to include the topic of Tinnitus in our "Woodworkers Safety Week" last month.

I too suffer from Tinnitus and probably a fair number of other woodworkers do as well unfortunately. I can't place a single event when my "ringing" started, it was more gradual.

For all you other woodworkers out there who think it can't happen to you, think again! Always wear hearing protection when you're using power tools. (This is also one of the big reasons I enjoy working with hand tools more and more).

You do tend to get somewhat use to the constant ringing, but when things are finally quiet at the end of the day, it's a constant reminder that you should have been more protective of your hearing.

Thanks again Bel for your reminder of this problem.

Craig Stevens

hi there ,
is it possible to have a reaction in the ears due to timber treatment or the actual wood itself?
I have an outhouse constructed of timber/spruce i believe.Each time i visit the place i get a warm swelling sensation in the ears.I have had countless allergy tests but everything so far has come back negitive.
Mnany thanks Lloyd

As a former Tinnitus sufferer I know how life changing this can be.

Great post!
Looking forward to future posts...

I have forwarded this link along to readers of my newsletter the Tinnitus Insider.

Thanks!

Kristy
Tinnitus Insider

I've worked at a commercial mill/woodworking shop for about 3 years, I've suffered from asthma for about 15 years but recently my condition has worsened to the point of needing a nebulizer and pump everyday. I've requested safety devices [respirator, etc.], but the damage is done because these devices do more harm than good by restricting oxygen needed. In addition I contracted a skin condition which wouldn't go away for over 8 months. I finally had to pay to see a private physician and pay for medication to solve the situation which continues to reappear if I stop using the medication. I suggested it was due to the wood and it's contaminants, but was immediately shunned and laughed at by all in the shop. Until now I've been trying to obtain information about all the contaminants withint the workplace without success. If anything this is prrof everyone working with woods in any capacity should ensure their own health and safety, and many times this isn't enough. There has to be a way to hold these companies responsible for the wellbeing of their workers.

I bought myself a 3M respirator that is battery powered. I always neglected to wear my mask before because it was hot, but now with this unit I get lung protection and eye protection. Here's the 3M respirator that I got.