Wood Allergens and Safety
Working with wood can be a rewarding experience, but it’s important to be aware that some people may be sensitive to certain wood species, wood dust, or wood oils. These sensitivities can lead to eye, respiratory, or skin irritation, and in some cases, more severe reactions. It’s crucial to note that all wood types, regardless of species, produce sawdust that can be harmful when inhaled.
Safety First: Essential Protocols for Working with Wood
To ensure your safety and well-being, we strongly recommend following these essential safety protocols when cutting and handling wood:
- Wear Protective Gear: Always use safety goggles, a dust mask or respirator, and gloves to protect your eyes, lungs, and skin from harmful dust and particles.
- Ensure Proper Ventilation: Work in a well-ventilated area to prevent the buildup of dust and fumes. If possible, use a dust extraction system to minimize airborne particles.
- Use the Right Tools: Ensure that your cutting tools are sharp and well-maintained. Dull tools can create more dust and increase the risk of injury.
- Handle with Care: When handling wood, especially when it’s freshly cut, avoid direct contact with your skin. Some wood oils can cause allergic reactions upon contact.
- Clean Up Thoroughly: After working, clean your workspace thoroughly to remove any lingering dust. This includes wiping down surfaces and properly disposing of sawdust.
- Monitor Your Health: Pay attention to any symptoms of irritation or allergic reactions. If you experience any adverse effects, stop working immediately and seek medical advice.
Understanding Wood Sensitivities
If you’re working with a wood species you’re not familiar with, take the time to assess the potential for any adverse reactions before starting your project. Below is a chart listing wood species that are known to cause reactions in sensitive individuals. This list is not exhaustive, but it highlights some of the more common woods that may pose a risk:
| Wood Species | Potential Reactions |
|---|---|
| African Blackwood | Irritant, Sensitizer |
| Alder (Alnus genus) | Irritant |
| Andiroba | Irritant, Sneezing |
| Angelim vermelho | Unspecific Allergic Reactions |
| Ash (Fraxinus genus) | Irritant |
| Birch (Betula genus) | Irritant, Sensitizer, Nausea |
| Bloodwood | Irritant, Excessive Thirst, Salivation, Nausea |
| Bocote | Cross Reactions Possible Once Sensitivity to Other Woods Has Developed |
| Bubinga | Irritant, Lesions |
| Camphor | Irritant, Asthma, Headaches, Giddiness |
| Cedar, Aromatic Red | Irritant |
| Cedar, Spanish | Irritant |
| Chechen | Irritant, Sensitizer |
| Chinaberry | Irritant, Headaches |
| Cocobolo | Irritant, Sensitizer, Nausea, Asthma, Pink Eye |
| Cypress | Sensitizer |
| Cypress, Australian | Irritant, Asthma, Swelling of Eyelids, Boils, Nasopharyngeal Cancer (Rare) |
| Ebony (Diospyros genus) | Irritant, Sensitizer, Pink Eye |
| Ebony, Macassar | Irritant, Sensitizer |
| Garapa | Irritant |
| Greenheart | Sensitizer, Wheezing, Severe Throat Irritation, Septic Splinters, Cardiac/Intestinal Issues |
| Imbuia | Irritant |
| Ipe | Irritant, Headache, Asthma, Vision Effects |
| Iroko | Irritant, Sensitizer, Asthma, Boils, Giddiness, Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis |
| Jatoba | Irritant |
| Katalox | Irritant |
| Kingwood | Irritant, Sensitizer, Pink Eye |
| Lacewood | Irritant |
| Mahogany, African | Irritant, Sensitizer, Nasopharyngeal Cancer (Rare) |
| Mahogany, Santos | Irritant |
| Makore | Irritant, Nausea, Headache, Giddiness, Nervous System/Blood Effects |
| Maple (Acer genus) | Irritant, Sensitizer, Asthma; Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis in Spalted Maple |
| Monkeypod | Irritant |
| Mora | Irritant |
| Oak (Quercus genus) | Irritant, Sensitizer, Asthma, Nasopharyngeal Cancer (Rare) |
| Obeche | Irritant, Sensitizer, Runny Nose, Sneezing, Hives, Asthma |
| Padauk (Pterocarpus genus) | Irritant, Sensitizer, Nausea, Asthma |
| Palm (Arecaceae family) | Irritant, Constitutional Effects |
| Persimmon | Irritant |
| Poplar | Irritant, Blisters, Asthma, Bronchitis |
| Purpleheart | Irritant, Sensitizer, Nausea |
| Rosewood (Dalbergia genus) | Irritant, Sensitizer, Asthma |
| Rosewood, East Indian | Irritant, Sensitizer |
| Sapele | Irritant, Sneezing |
| Silky Oak, Northern | Irritant |
| Silky Oak, Southern | Irritant, Sap May Cause Blistering of Skin, Eyelid Inflammation |
| Sissoo | Irritant |
| Sucupira (Bowdichia nitida) | Irritant |
| Tatajuba | Irritant |
| Teak | Irritant, Sensitizer, Rash, Nausea, Asthma, Vision Effects, Pink Eye, Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis |
| Tigerwood | Sensitizer |
| Tzalam | Cold-like Symptoms |
| Walnut, Black | Irritant, Sensitizer, Nasopharyngeal Cancer (Rare) |
| Wenge | Irritant, Sensitizer, Septic Splinters, Nervous System Effects, Abdominal Cramps |
| Yellowheart | Irritant |
| Zebrawood | Sensitizer |
| Ziricote | Cross Reactions Possible Once Sensitivity to Other Woods Has Developed |
Your safety is our priority at Ipe Woods USA. By following these protocols and being aware of potential allergens, you can enjoy your woodworking projects with confidence. If you have any concerns or need more information about working with wood safely, feel free to reach out to us.