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Explore the structural and bioresponse aspects of wood, recognizing the risks of toxicity on human health. Learn how to identify, safeguard, and control exposure to toxic wood elements for optimal protection. Stay informed for a safer woodworking experience.
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Wood Toxicity&Human Response Marian McGee June 14, 2011 Valley Woodturners
Key Concepts • Structural Components • Accessory Components • Bioresponse • Protection & Control
Structural Components • Cellulose • used for paper production • long, string like molecule • high tensile strength • Hemicellulose • less complex branch • likes to link lignin and cellulose • Lignin • most complex • responsible for the strength and rigidity of the substance • classifiable • Hardwoods • Softwoods • grasses
Accessory Substances/Extractives • Fats, resins, oils, waxes • Proteins, gums, latex, mucus, starch & sugars • Alkaloids, dyes, tannins, glycosides camphor, perfumes • Inorganic and organic salts and acids • Minerals(e.g. calcium, potassium, sodium, etc.)
Quinones • Chemicals in the wood’s lignin, hemicellulose and cellulose • designed as a defense against fungus and other predators (including woodturners) • particular to a species and probably to related species
Bioresponse • Skin/dermis • Respiratory system • Cardiovascular system • Neurological system • Endocrine system
Allergic Reaction • Phase 1 • penetrates the white blood cells in the epidermis • travels to lymph nodes where T cells may or may not recognize the “invader”
Bioresponse Phase • Reaction • the T cells release a protein which will attract white blood cells to fight and destroy everything close by • (including skin cells – rash & blisters) • may also manifest redness • (vasodilation) & itching (neurological response) • Anaphylaxis – rapid physical ‘shutdown’ and ****!!!!! • initially undetected physical response****!!!!
Outcomes/Consequences • Possible: • headaches • bronchitis, rhinitis • sinusitis • dermatitis • cancers • nasal, • throat, • lungs, • skin, • endocrine
Critical Equation!!! Element(s) of the wood + Dosage (i.e. the length of exposure & the number of undesirable molecules) + Strength/Power (of the wood molecules) + Vulnerability (of the person) = Your Level of Risk
Protection & Control • Understand • the profile of your wood – its growth site, potency • Learn • your personal vulnerabilities/sensitivities – skin, respiratory, gastro intestinal, eyes, etc. • Take • appropriate protective action • e.g. • Full respiratory protection & dust control • Hand washing and well fitted gloves • Workshop clothes and face shield
References • Woods Toxic to Man – author unknown • Vancouver Woodturners Guild • Meir, Eric – Wood Allergies and Toxicity • BMEzine Encyclopaedia – Wood Hazards • Wood Toxicity Table – Toxic Woods Information Sheet #30 • www.wood-database.com/wood-articles/wood-allergies-and-toxicity/