Toxic Wood – Who Knew?

In this video, Toxic Wood! - Who Knew?, Mike explores some of the hazards in turning toxic wood, many you would not have thought might be considered toxic.

00:00 Introduction
00:07 Respiratory problems
01:20 NIOSH warning
01:50 Dermatitis
03:14 risks from spalted wood
03:38 wood related allergies including poison ivy
06:30 Other dermatitis from exotic woods
06:50 sensitizing woods and the Wood Database
08:45 Anaphylaxis
09:08 safety measures

[LewisKauffman]

Mike, thanks for the reminder and the links for more research. I really appreciate the time and effort you put into these presentations.

[victorprimack]

Thanks Mike. I’ve gone to using a Trend Pro when turning and I still turn in my suction when sanding. I agree with you it’s important that we be aware of the very real danger.

[donaldtrabeaux]

Absolutely serious always have my PPE
and Thanks for sharing take care stay safe god bless

[DeansWoodworking]

Mike Great topic, This is a real danger and one that we all need to pay a little closer attention to. Thank you for sharing!!!

[johnjlong]

Good video. As someone who has experienced anaphylaxis three times (low blood pressure, rapid shallow breathing, increased heart rate and loss of consciousness) this is a topic that doesn't get nearly enough attention. It may be "rare" but to ignore it could be lethal.

[davidmorgan]

Thanks for putting that info out there Mike! Good reminder for those of us that at times get complacent with our safety gear.
Take care, Dave

[casperscuts]

Great information Mike, always a pleasure to watch your videos!

[jeanlong]

Thanks for the great information. Was aware there was danger to breathing the dust but didn't realize it could cause dermatitis.

[crocuscreekwoodworks]

Hi Mike. I enjoyed this information. I personally use a WEN Air Filtration System in my shop with a 5 Micron & 1 Micron filter. I also use a Trend Airshield Pro Respirator. Of course a vacum system at the tool is always a good idea. I have seen a major reduction in dust collection in and around the shop after using these items consistently. Less dust is better. I look forward to your next video.

[Fred-cips]

Thanks Mike, I'm closing in on retirement and want woodturning to continue to a be a big part of my life. Safety has been a big concern of mine lately so watching videos and following advice from others has been a top priority lately. I recently purchased a Trend STEALTH/ML Stealth Air APF10 respirator that works very well for me.

[sethwarner]

Thanks, Mike, just a tiny but important word about Yew wood, used a lot for BOWS; it is very toxic as well. I make bows but limit myself to Hickory. Ive just found a osage orange tree next to an abandoned area, and Im going slow as far as sanding, or sawing it.

[kenharper]

Mike, thanks for sharing. I have learned so much from you over the past few years. Thanks again.

[Rob-hwwr]

Robo Hippy has a video on a dust hood made out of a white plastic 55 gallon drum. I made one and it works great. It attaches to my dust collector. I also have a ceiling mounted air purifier. I wear a Trend Helmet. I have pulmonary fibrosis so I have to be very careful. I was surprised that maple got a 3 star sensitivity rating

[yvesmazny]

Hello from France. Many thanks for your video. We also have tp pay attention with wook attacked by mushrooms or fongus if we want to turn such wood. Regards.

[davidfriedman]

Mike: Thank you. I have only been turning a few years in our garage. Have noticed a very fine coating of particles travel back into house (much of the time garage door is closed restricting airflow into house). Both my wife and I have been having allergic reactions, watery eyes, excessive sneezing and other upper respiratory symptoms all year long and our physician has warned us about allergic reactions from wood dust. I wear a JSP mask when at lathe turning/sanding, dust collector at lathe, two overhead filters etc., however the particles can stay suspended for long periods and easily transported. It is a health concern. Thank you for listing various woods that are problematic.

[EricRush]

Beginning turner. Alder is my problem. Sap causes itchy rash. Burning alder in the fireplace gave me asthma at age 77. I turn mostly alder with respirator for sanding. From now on, respirator whenever I'm making any kind or size of wood dust. Thank you.

[kengunnell]

Great detail much appreciated. I had a large in shop vacuum system that still left a dust film, I converted this to a vacuum exhaust system and added a large Jet room filter and started using a Trend helmet. I was still left with some room dust and a dirty nose. I have now finally moved my lathe to my garage door and open it when O turn and put a fan behind me when I sand. That solved all problems for me and would have saved $$. Might I add that Mango trees and wood has chemicals same or similar to poison ivy. It is also just under the skin of a mango. I trimmed a tree in HI and later canned a lot of mangos before I learned that info.

[kenvasko]

Great topic Mike! Thanks.
I used to grab skids to turn at a local car dealership. Some of the wood was very irritating. I discovered the international shipping skids are treated for insects. I don't turn skids anymore..

[jackthompson]

Thanks a lot Mike. I have a large vacuum system that I run when sanding, an overhead dust collector that I run whenever my lathe is running, also I made a large stationary dust collector from a 20 inch fan and 4 MERV 13 furnace filters which. I recently bought a full face respirator that I also where when sanding. I still feel that I possibly could do better. I will keep trying to improve my dust collection. The exhaust from any dust collectors needs to be pointed away from you.

[hfbowerndesigns]

Thanks for putting this information out there on this video. I believe my father in law and his brother in law suffered from the effects of dust as they did not wear dust masks while turning. Keep your lungs protected is not an optional choice, it is a must.
Take care my friend
Cheers Mike
Harold