Wood Allergy & Safety Reference
Documented dust, skin, and respiratory reactions for species in this library. Any wood dust can cause irritation, and some people react to species with no listed warning.
Use dust extraction and a properly fitted respirator, and wear gloves with known sensitizers. This is reference information, not medical advice or food-contact approval. 3 of 137 species currently have documented safety notes; a missing note is not assurance of safety.
| Species | Documented reactions | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Black Walnut Juglans nigra | Published woodworking references report black walnut as a sensitizer, including reported eye and skin irritation. These notes concern exposure while working the wood, not food-contact certification. | USDA Forest Service, Forest Products Laboratory; USDA Forest Service, Forest Products Laboratory |
| Hard Maple Acer saccharum | Published woodworking references report irritation and respiratory reactions associated with maples, including skin irritation, runny nose, and asthma-like effects. Do not infer that maple dust is harmless from its use in cutting boards. | USDA Forest Service, Forest Products Laboratory; USDA Forest Service, Forest Products Laboratory |
| White Oak Quercus alba | Published woodworking references report oak as a sensitizer, with reported eye and skin irritation and asthma-like symptoms. Individual reactions vary; avoid inhaling wood dust. | USDA Forest Service, Forest Products Laboratory; USDA Forest Service, Forest Products Laboratory |