Will Myrtle or Black Limba Irritate Throat/Eyes/Sinuses/Lungs?

[redsquid2]

I just got some new myrtle and black limba scales. Never worked with these woods before. Does the dust irritate the mucus membranes, taste buds, or any other part of the human body? Are there allergens in it?

I learned about spanish cedar the hard way, so I would rather learn about other irritants the easy way, from the Web.

Thanks.

--squiddy

 

[mgysgthath]

I'd personally suggest to always err on the side of caution.. wear your respirator goggles gloves etc..better safe than sorry.

 

[jawilder]

ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS wear your respirator and eye protection any time your grinder in running

 

[Mahoney]

If you Google "toxic woods" there's a lot of info out there from reputable sources about the risks associated with various woods.

 

[A C Richards]

Myrtle can irritate don't know about black limba. But like the others said, why take chances, use a respirator.

 

[Phil Dwyer]

By all means protect your respiratory system!

Even if you find you're not bothered by it (have no immediate symptom) it doesn't mean you won't be in the long run. Even if the substances are nontoxic, you can end up eventually developing sensitivities. There can be a cumulative effect of exposure from everything like relatively harmless dusts, to volatile vapors and fumes (petroleum distillates, etc) to even simple pollens. What starts out as simple and mild passing exposures, can move toward toxic irritants as ones body becomes more and more inundated with pollutants. There are ever more cases of COPD (chronic pulmonary obstructive disorder/disease) across the spectrum of demographics. Apparently next to smoking occupational exposure to hazards is one of the number one contributors, as well as more general environmental exposures such as pollutants and pollens.

PLAY IT SAFE!!!