Toxic woods

[Atlas Knife Company]

Does anyone have a list of woods that you should absolutely NOT use for cutting boards? I'm working on a yellowheart/purpleheart board, Pau Rosa board, and another Bocote board. I know some woods are toxic but can't find a list of them.

 

[Justin King]

The thing to keep in mind is that none of them are good for you. The best bet is to use dust control/mitigation and personal protective equipment to reduce your exposure no matter what type. Having said that, the darker, heavier, and oilier woods are usually the ones that cause the most noticeable irritation to the respiratory system.

 

[tryppyr]

Here are a couple of links that provide information about toxins, allergins and sensitizers in various woods. For the most part, the danger seems to be in breathing the dust, but some list "Wood", "Leaves", and "Bark" as well, implying contact may also cause problems.

http://www.woodworkersresource.com/blog/having-a-reaction-to-wood-is-nothing-to-take-lightly/

http://www.dave-wilcox.com/Woodturning/toxics.aspx

 

[Atlas Knife Company]

I have both dust collection and face mask in use. My question was more specifically aimed at using them for cutting boards. I hope this isn't a question like vanadium poisoning. ALL woods are harmful if breathed, are any of them harmful if used as a cutting board/handle? A few such as bubinga are noted as the sap being an irritant, so I want to be extra cautious with the woods I use for food prep surfaces.

 

[tattooedfreak]

We had a thread on here before about this but toxicity mostly has to do with dust in the air (inhalation, absorption through mucous membranes) and oil absorption. Any wood used for food prep or consumption should be sealed with a food safe coating, whether it is wax, oil or hard shellac (not really advisable). These links detail the wood and its toxicity http://mnwoodturners.com/New_Member_Docs/Toxic_Woods_Chart.html http://www.finewoodworking.com/Materials/MaterialsArticle.aspx?id=29311
This one has very detailed info on what, why and how http://www.organicjewelry.com/woodhazards.html
Bowl turners commonly use a beeswax compound as a food safe coating, while others use a block oil or mineral oil. does this help? or is it too much hehe.

If you are really bored, this is extremely detailed. http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/wis30.pdf

 

[Atlas Knife Company]

Tattooed: Exactly what I needed. Thank you. Extremely detailed info from the wooden jewelery makers, WOW! It seems that as long as it's properly and regularly finished, it should be fine.

Now here's what I learned but didn't expect: Splinters from some of the exotic woods can be VERY bad and should be removed immediately and the wound area treated with an antiseptic.

 

[Deweyknives]

Most issues seem to be related to oils in the dust on more sensative parts of the body. [around a watch, cuffs, coller]. And, of course, respratory issues. Rosewoods and closely related species are most common problems. Usually, just handeling the wood is'nt a problem but I've never seen any cautions about cutting boards or ingestion. I think I would avoid most 'exotics' for this use.

I'm refering to just wood. Now, bark, leaves and sap would be a different story.....

Edit: OH MAN, I TYPE SLOOOOOWW [good links,guys]

 

[tattooedfreak]

No prob Zaph, I researched the exact topic a few years ago when I was getting into making custom jewelry and someone mentioned toxic wood. With jewelry, there is some stuff that you shouldnt wear no matter what it's coated with. Wood may look nice but it has some nasty defenses hehe.