Replies

1. 
   jonsherryl | May 15, 2002 04:00pm | #1

   Mike, cocobolo belongs to the rosewood genus (Dalbergia) and these woods contain quinones called dalbergiones that are potential sensitizers. In other words, they are capable of causing allergic reactions for some individuals, usually in the form of respiratory problems or contact dermatitis...So, the dosage required to cause a problem varies a great deal, depending on the individual's sensitivity to the allergen.

   For some wood workers, a small amount of the dust does little more than deliver a pleasant fragrance, while for many woodworkers the scent is so pungent that heavy exposure becomes an irritant, causing mild but annoying symptoms, i.e., watery eyes and congestion. For the few, unfortunate individuals who are exceptionally sensitive to these dalbergiones, even the slightest exposure (sometimes merely touching the wood) is enough to cause a serious reaction, usually in the form of contact dermatitis.

   As for precautions, until you discover just how sensitive you are, any exposure to the dust is a risk. I think the best approach is to wear a respirator and clothing that covers as much skin as possible when working with the wood for at least the first two or three times (allergic reactions usually don't result from the first exposure.) After a while, you'll discover how tolerant you are to working with the rosewoods, but I think you'll find that, at the very least, wearing a respirator when working with any of the Dalbergia species is a good idea.

2. 
   DaveinPa | May 15, 2002 05:14pm | #2

   I have a neighbor down the street that will tell you all about it. He found a woodworking plan that called for cocobolo. He got some and started working with it. He developed a rash on the exposed parts of his arms and legs like poison ivy. Then in his mouth and throat. He ended up in the hospital for a few days and found out he was not to use this wood nor anything from the same family. I personally won't touch this stuff or anything from the same family. Find something else to use for your safety and health.

   Dave in Pa.

3. 
   PlaneWood | May 15, 2002 06:38pm | #3

   Try this web site.  http://bodd.cf.ac.uk/BotDermFolder/BotDermL/LEGU.html

   Once there, do a 'FIND on Cocobolo.  I can tell you all about it!  My suggestion is to have a high volume DC set outside and hook EVERY tool up so that no dust escapes.  Also wear long pants, long sleeve shirt, long sleeve latex gloves, a gas mask, and use a barrier cream on all exposed flesh.  It will sneak up on you.  Two months of exposure with no problems, then WHAM.  Just like a BAD case of poison ivy.  Just don't get it in your lungs.  Takes about a month for all the rash to go away, but only if there is no more exposure.  I still occasionally get a small rash now and them even with all the above precautios.  Different members of the dalbergia family will behave differently by individual.

   PlaneWood by Mike_in_Katy
   PlaneWood

4. 
   PlaneWood | May 15, 2002 07:03pm | #4

   Oh yeah, Cocobolo (Dalbergia Retusa) has little effect on me.  It was Bolivian Rosewood that got me (Machaerium Schleroxylon or Machaerium Acutafolia).  Brazilian Rosewood (Dalbergia Nigra) also has little effect on me.

   PlaneWood by Mike_in_Katy
   PlaneWood

5. 
   floman47 | May 16, 2002 02:46am | #5

    

   Pau Ferro aka Brazilwood (Guilandina echinata) got me.  I sanded two bowls on the lathe and then went and mowed my lawn and yard work.  Six hrs later I took a shower.  So the dust was on me for a long time.

   Couldn’t work for two weeks, had to get a shot everyday for a week. This was twenty years ago; I have not had a problem with any woods since. And I’ve worked with exotics a lot.  I always try to find out about woods that I’m not familiar with. Then what I do now is put some sawdust on the back side of my arm and rub it.  I look at it the next day if its red I won’t work with it.  Cocobolo is one of them.  I don’t have sensitive skin, quite the opposite.  

    

   You have asked the best question first!

    

   Jeff in So Cal

      

   
   

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   Edited 5/15/2002 7:57:28 PM ET by FLOMAN47

6. 
   norske | Nov 20, 2015 10:06am | #6

   Now its making sense. I devoloped a bad rash between my fingers and attributed it to poison ivy, which I seem to get every year. Very similar symptoms.  Itchy turning into open sores. But poison ivy usually disappears within a week. Dr. thought it may be a fungus but now I believe it to be cocobolo dust, since I'd been sanding pieces of it around that time. Be careful!!!! because it also ended up in my crotch area and beieve me, you don't want that itch.