Warning: Safety and health risks when processing wood

Wood is a versatile and sustainable material that offers many possible uses in both domestic and exotic varieties. Nevertheless, there are specific risks during storage, processing and use that must be taken into account. This warning applies to all types of wood, both native and exotic.

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General hazards associated with wood products:

1. wood dust and respiratory diseases:

Sanding, sawing or milling wood produces fine dust that can irritate the respiratory tract or be harmful to health. Exotic woods often contain substances that can be toxic or allergenic.

Examples:

Native: Beech and oak can produce fine dust that can cause irritation or asthma.

Exotic: Zebrano, teak or wenge can release toxic dust.

Always use respirators (FFP2 or FFP3) and work in a well-ventilated environment.

2. skin irritation and allergic reactions:

Wood may contain natural resins, tannins or other substances that can cause irritation or allergies on contact with the skin.

Examples:

Native: Oak and ash can cause skin irritation due to their tannic acids.

Exotic: Cocobolo and iroko are known to cause allergic reactions.

Wear protective gloves during processing and avoid direct skin contact.

3. tendency to splinter:

Wood, whether native or exotic, can form sharp splinters that can cause injury. Splinters from hardwoods can be particularly difficult to remove.

Wear cut-resistant gloves and check the wood for rough spots before processing.

4. fire hazard:

Wood dust is highly flammable and can ignite explosively on contact with ignition sources or through static charge.

Keep wood dust away from open flames and clean work surfaces regularly.

5. pests and mold:

Improperly stored wood can be infested by pests or damaged by mold, which can be harmful to health.

Store wood in a dry, well-ventilated place, protected from moisture.

6. toxic substances (especially with exotic woods):

Exotic woods such as teak, rosewood or zebrano often contain substances that can be toxic on contact or inhalation. Some of these substances can trigger symptoms such as nausea, headaches or skin rashes.

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Safety measures for all types of wood:

Wear suitable personal protective equipment, including a respirator mask, safety goggles and protective gloves.

Ensure a dust-free and well-ventilated working environment.

Remove splinters carefully and use sharp tools to ensure clean cuts.

Test surface treatments (e.g. oils, paints) on an inconspicuous area first to avoid undesirable reactions.

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Storage and disposal:

Store wood in a dry and well-ventilated place to avoid moisture and mold growth.

Dispose of wood waste and dust in accordance with local regulations. Do not burn wood waste in an uncontrolled manner, as this can release substances that are harmful to health.

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This warning applies to all types of wood and is intended to inform consumers of the potential hazards and to ensure safe handling, processing and use. Always ensure that you take into account the specific properties of the type of wood you are working with.