Mimosa: toxic or not?

[jmischel]

Here in central Texas we have a tree that everybody calls "mimosa." A wood turner I know told me that mimosa dust is very toxic--deadly so. Being the curious type, I thought I'd look around.

It's crazy. There are several different types of trees called "mimosa," most of which aren't even remotely related to each other. It appears that the one we have here is Albizia julibrissin. Some sources say that the seed pods are toxic if ingested. I haven't been able to find any information about the dust.

Several sites, including http://www.lumberpost.com/ArticleID-105.htm, list mimosa as an extreme nasal irritant. Unfortunately, all of the similar sites I've seen list only the common name.

http://www.wood-database.com/wood-articles/wood-allergies-and-toxicity/ says that the Albizia genus is a medium (two stars out of four) irritant to skin, eyes, and respiratory system, but the only example they have is called "monkey pod", Albizia saman.

Whereas I know I should have dust collection in place and wear breathing protection regardless of what wood I'm working with, I think it's a good idea to know when I'm working with something that's especially dangerous. But I can't find anything definitive.

Anybody have better information?

[Claude]

Here's some info I found:
Claude

Danger in the Woods

TOXIC WOODS CHART

This one lists around 20 species. Each link has additional liinks, some showing photos of the plants, to help you identify it.
Name Search Results | USDA PLANTS

I also found that the UT library has several books and journal articles on plant toxicity. If you are anywhere close to one of the UTs, you might find out more info at their library.

[jmischel]

Thanks, Claude.

The problem I'm having is that I don't know what species of "mimosa" the wood toxicity charts are talking about. They just say "mimosa." And there are lots of trees called mimosa.

Texas A&M University has an extensive horticultural database. It lists all kinds of interesting information about trees found in Texas. Nothing on the dust, though. Same with every other site I've found.

When I look up toxicity by species it will tell me if the roots, leaves, bark, sap, or fruit is toxic, but none of the botanical sites will tell me how toxic the dust is. It's maddening.

I suspect that the information is out there, but I'll be darned if I can find it. And I'm good at this Internet searching thing!

[brent]

Basically, i would treat all woods as toxic if power carving. The last thing you want is for the fine dust or particles in your lungs. Next, if handling different woods and you notice a rash or excessive itching then stop and see if it clears up. Black walnut dries out my throat, mahogany causes me sinus infections. I have had padauk, bubinga and others woods (fine dust from turning or sanding) on my skin with no noticable effects. (yet) Wear a mask and use dust collection if around fine dust from sanding or p. carving. Small price for safety.

[jmischel]

I mostly agree, Brent, but it's nice to know when I'm working with something that is particularly dangerous so I can be more careful than usual.

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

We have a mimosa called a "silk tree".....probably one of dozens of names!

[jmischel]

Hi_Ho: Yeah, that's the problem. "silk tree" is often used to describe any species of Albizia--usually the one that's currently being talked about. There are only about 150 different species.

The one I have in my yard, and that's most common around here is Albizia Julibrissin. I suspect that's the one you have, too.

I'm going with the idea that the dust is toxic. As Brent said, it's a good idea to treat all wood dust as toxic. Also, it's likely that the people around here who've told me, "mimosa is toxic" are unaware that there is more than one type of wood that's called "mimosa."

Still, it's unfortunate that it's difficult or impossible to find definitive information.

[Robson Valley]

Good. I'm really pleased that you all are finding common names to be useless. For the most part, they are. OTOH, the proper, Latin, binomial (2 words) name is a globally understood term.
The first word is the genus, to which one, several or many different species belong. It is always, always capitalized. The second word is the specific term and it is never, ever capitalized, even if it is derived from someone's name. Those are the rules accepted all over the world.
So Albizia julibrissin is the way is should be. Each individual word is underlined, an old-fashioned proof reader's mark to indicate that the words should be set in italics font. Now, that's quite easily done but underlining is still acceptable.

Now that I have reminded myself that I am a retired biology/botany prof, I will come out from behind the desk and try to act like it.

[willum]

Ebony is the only wood which I find has a really irritating dust, but I believe the dust of almost any wood , if not all will cause trouble long term like the dust problems suffered dby coal miners and flour millers in antiquity