[sharon cottrell]

I have a piece of Brazilian redwood from a deck my husband built for a neighbor. It's extremely hard, he had to pre-drill it, so I know I will have to use my power tools. Does anyone know if it's toxic? THANKS

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

Sounds like Ipe ..pronounced "ee pay"

[Just Carving]

According to Brazilian Hardwood Flooring - Brazilian Cherry (Jatoba), Santos Mahogany, Brazilian Teak (Cumaru), Brazilian Walnut (Ipe), Tigerwood, Brazilian Oak, Brazilian Redwood

Brazilian Redwood (Macaranduba)Brazilian Redwood, which is also known as Macaranduba, has a very beautiful red color. It has little color variations and once installed provides a wonderful exotic look but yet conservative.

I haven't found anything that said that Brazilian redwood is toxic but that doesn't mean it isn't. Since you know you're going to need to use power tools and will be making dust, it'd be pest to protect yourself with gloves, eye protection, and a mask. And pay attention to where you put your clothes when you're done, in the event someone else might be affected by the dust, i.e. allergic to the dust on your clothes to be laundered, etc.

Bob L

[Ashbys]

Here is a link for information about the wood.

The Wood Explorer Database.

It seems to be low, but sawdust can cause some reaction is some people.

Ash

[sharon cottrell]

Thankyou all for the info, I shall check out the sights you listed above. I didn't even think about the dust on clothes and someone being allergic to it. Good advice. Thanks again!

[Dan S]

Err on the side of caution with exotics. Wear a mask and wash off any dust when you're done. I've developed a nasty alergy to Cocobolo and I have a friend who is now severely alergic to ebony. These woods can really get to you after a while.

Dan

[twig]

Thank you all for this very informative thread. I use a power tool and sand a lot but never even thought about the dust. I (almost) always work outside and the wind is almost always blowing up on this mountain, but I still get covered in the dust. The only woods I've used so far are whatever wooden spoons are made from and poplar.

Thank you for asking this question, Sharon, I wouldn't have given it much thought otherwise.