Replies

1. 
   RalphBarker | Apr 19, 2009 06:38am | #1

   Although most indications are that normal precautions are sufficient to prevent problems from spalted wood, there are usually caveats for people especially sensitive.

   I'd suggest talking to your doctor.

1. 
   wkender | Apr 20, 2009 03:44am | #5

   Thanks.  You were very helpful.

2. 
   wkender | Apr 25, 2009 06:30pm | #6

   Thanks.

1. 
   [email protected] | Apr 27, 2009 05:58am | #7

   You don't need to thanks each person individually. One message to the group is normally sufficient. Think of the forum, as a group of people sitting around a bunch of tables relaxing, and chatting about woodworking, and whatever else comes up. People will drop in on a thread, and then wander off to another. They usually wander back later, if the topic was interesting. Some issues will generate long threads, that can get quite heated. Please fill out your profile so we know a little about you, at least where you are.

2. 
   saschafer | Apr 19, 2009 07:02am | #2

   In general, fungi that infect wood will not survive in humans, although there are exceptions, notably mold fungi in the genus Aspergillus.

   Mostly, however, fungi are harmful to humans because of the various chemical compounds that they produce as they go about their lives. Some of these are outright toxins; others are potent allergens.

   It's not uncommon to have a reaction to these kinds of compounds, but it's usually an acute reaction; you experience symptoms for a short time after exposure, but they go away fairly quickly.

   An actual fungal infection from wood is unlikely, but if you do get one, it can be very long-lasting and very difficult to treat.

   As always, see your doctor!

   -Steve

3. 
   forestgirl | Apr 19, 2009 11:21am | #3

   The most common concern, from what I've seen reported here and in the other forum I frequent, is an allergic reaction to the spalted wood.  I have to be very, very careful when I machine spalted maple -- long sleeves, a windbreaker I can take off before I go in the house, and breathing protection.  A mask, if it's only a couple of quick cuts, but a respirator if I'm using the bandsaw or miter saw (mine have less than stellar dust pick-up) or more than one or two table/miter saw cuts.

   With allergies, often the first noticeable reaction can be relatively mild, but the next episode can be much worse.  It just doesn't pay to mess around if a senstivity is evident.

   forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-) 
   
1. 
   wkender | Apr 20, 2009 03:40am | #4

   thanks.  You were very helpful.