Update on Timber Dust (yep more safety crap)

[Eastie]

Given the regular posts regarding dust extraction/respirators I thought some of you may be interested that the ACGIH (american government hygienists) has recently released revised US exposure standards and toxicity information for a couple of timbers.

Birch, Mahogany, Teak and Walnut are now confirmed as “suspected human carcinogens” (i.e only some of the rats got cancer, lets kill some more).

Oak and Beach (USA varieties I believe) are now “confirmed human carcinogens”.

In addition the dust exposure standards have come down dramatically - i.e. no more than 0.5 mg/metre cubed of air for western red cedar dust.

The softwood dust exposure standard has gone from 10mg dust down to 2mg per metre cubed. Hardwood dust remains at 1mg dust per metre cubed of air.

What does all this mean ?
Firstly, the more research the more we understand about just how toxic timber dusts are.

Secondly, note that the measurements are in milligrams (mg) – exposures above the stated have proven to have ill effects.

These are very small amounts that can be easily reached when using sanders, mitre saws, bench saws, etc.
It reinforces the need to keep dust away from your head and the need to select, use and maintain a good respirator.


[This message has been edited by Eastie (edited 06 May 2002).]

[ubeaut]

Below is the first line from our BAD WOODS page. If you're a newby and haven't seen it maybe now is a good time to have a look.

In Australia all wood dust is now classified as carcinogenic (liable to cause cancer) This list has been compiled to give woodworkers a little bit of an insight into the potential health hazards posed by some of the timbers that are used.

Cheers - Neil

[John Saxton]

Makes a good argument for hand tools...in regards to respiratory tract problems..something we need to be constntly aware of ....!

Cheers

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Johnno

[Sandy Johnston]

Bumb Question Time.

I dont know the answer to this but... would the dust be illiminated or majorly reduced if some spray system was devised???

Okay water may be more harmful - rust - electric shock etc but if some kind of moisture/dampening system was employed could this help.

The reason I ask this is I saw some "Green wood" turning and even the sanding did not seem to produce any dust in the air.

Any thoughts ???

Sandy across the ditch

[Tim the Timber Turner]

If your sanding on a lathe and not making any dust you aint doing anything other than polishing.

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Some days I turns thisaway, somedays I turns thataway and other days I don't turn at all.