Pawlonea dust?

[Benjy136]

To introduce myself, I'm an american in South Carolina, USofA. I've been in the tree service business for about 30 years and am now retired at 80 yrs. of age. When taking down unwanted trees of any value (aromatic cedar, Poplar, black walnut, red oak, if the tree was in good shape and large enough, I would mill it and store it in my barn. Now that I have the time to use these woods I'm learning (during the past 5 years) cabinetry. A few years ago I felled a pawlonea tree.I used part of the lumber recently for a tailgate (4' by 6') for my trailer, as it is so light and managable. I was advised recently by a woodcarver friend that the dust of this wood was extremely hazardous. Even using a dust mask and dust-removal system. I ran into your site quite by accident, but, being fellow woodbutchers, thought someone of you may have some experience with this wood. Thank you for listening. Any advice appreciated. Ben

[whitewood]

Hi Ben,

I'm not a medical person but have grown and milled Paulownia over the last 14 years. I have not shown any adverse sys toms from my involvement. I cut and dressed timber without wearing a mask. Occasionally when emptying the dust collector I had a single cough but nothing to worry about. If your concerned then wearing a simple dust mask should give you peace of mind and be adequate protection.

I know the employees at the big saw mill where I bought a lot of my Paulownia don't bother with any protection either.

Whitewood

[fxst]

here you go a wood site with the information. Hope it helps

Paulownia | The Wood Database - Lumber Identification (Hardwoods)