Hello People

Here's a link to a site that lists all the woods and there various toxicities. Everyone should have it to know just how dangerous some of the woods can be. And you thought it was just the bears we had to worry about when gathering our next carving project. http://www.riparia.org/toxic_woods.htm

Elmer

[AlArchie]

I'll add to that list; most cedars and hemlock (no, not the kind that got Socrates) can be extremely irritating to both skin and lungs. The skin reaction is usually caused by volatile oils in the bark and needles, when harvesting, but those same irritants are present to lesser degrees in the dust and fibers of the wood. This would include the Arbor Vitae varieties.

Any of the 'spalted' or otherwise degrading woods (fungal) can be cause for severe respiratory infections, so good respirators are called for when dealing with these woods.

Al

[Ric]

A good woodworking practice is to always wear eye and breathing protection when working in wood dust of any kind. This is a great list of toxin woods, but understand that the studies are not all exhaustive, and exposure to any airborne particulate is not healthy. Take proper eye and respiratory protection measures as you do for cuts and you should come out OK. IMHO.

Ric