Replies

1. 
   ScottInMadtown | Mar 08, 2005 09:12pm | #1

   I've had thoughts that might have happened to me before too.  I think it was from cutting some plywood.  I've never been able to repeat it, so I don't know if it was from that or not.

   If you've never used zebrawood before and you just recently touched it...like very recently....then it's a good bet it could be that.

   If at first you don't succeed....kick it!
1. 
   spikeygeni | Mar 08, 2005 10:29pm | #2

   I have used zebrawood in the past, along with a bunch of other pretty exotics (cocobolo, ziricote, bubinga, lacewood, padouk, etc), but not recently. However in my cleanup I was cutting up strips of waste wood with my bandsaw into small pieces for the wood heap, and there was everything from the exotics to plywood to mdf, although it was mostly maple & walnut.
   Anyway, I'd like to know 1) if the rash came from the wood or something else I did yesterday, and 2) assuming it is from wood, what can I do about it, other than giving up one of my great passions.

1. 
   forestgirl | Mar 09, 2005 11:13am | #4

   Whatever it was, chances are you'll react to it the next time you work with it.  Then you'll know!  In the meantime, be sure to wear a mask when you're making or stirring up dust.  Control the dust at its source as much as possible. 

   I have problems with cedar and spalted maple.  When I work these woods, I wear the mask and also pants and a jacket that go over my regular clothes.  These come off before I go into the house.  I shake the stuff out of my hair and take a shower before going to bed so I'm not getting the dust on the bed sheets.

   Some people have to protect their hands while working certain woods.  Gloves are technically a no-no around machines, but I wear them when using the table saw sometimes.  I would not wear them using a lathe, and am extremely careful if I use them with the jointer.  The tighter they fit the better.

   PS:  An antihistimine would probably help.  Claritin is non-drowsy for most people.

   forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-)Another proud member of the  "I Rocked With ToolDoc Club" .... :>) 

   Edited 3/9/2005 3:14 am ET by forestgirl

2. 
   willy | Mar 09, 2005 02:45am | #3

   Every time I use western cedar and didn't wear a mask, I got a rash starting on my ankles.  It happened 2 or 3 times until I finally cottoned on to what the problem was.  Now I wear a mask in the shop whenever I am cutting, planing, etc wood.

3. 
   Possumpoint | Mar 09, 2005 02:58pm | #5

   Everyone is different in how they react to various species of wood. I break out If I work with cherry in hot weather. The fine dust adheres to the sweat on my arms and back of my hands and I get a rash that turns into fine blistering. I absolutely cannot sand cherry in hot weather.

   I have never worked with any exotics and would be very Leary to do so. Once you develop an allergy I think you may be prone to develop more.

4. 
   ArtKK | Mar 09, 2005 03:33pm | #6

   I am allergic to everything!!! I found out that Paduak dust in the air and my lungs do NOT get along, I almost ended up in the hospital. I haven't found this problem with other woods, yet (gulp). But I have also recently been very cautious about this (after the paduak incident). I usually wear an N100 mask (filters out 99.9% of all airborne anything)(the same as I wear in the lab I work in), clothes sepcifically designated for woodworking (old shirt and jeans that I leave by the back door when I enter the house), apron, and when no critical hand work is needed gloves. The biggest difference is having cloths that you take off after woodworking to not spread the dust all over the house and the mask. That way if it is something in the workshop you are allergic to you're not breathing it in and you're not exposed to it for longer than you need to be. Just some ideas!

   -Art K

1. 
   spikeygeni | Mar 09, 2005 07:51pm | #7

   Thanks, all of you, for your stories. At least you've given me some ideas for how to combat it, if it turns out that I'm allergic to some species of wood. But it definitely would change the experience of woodworking to be wrapped up like a cocoon every time I enter the shop. I don't know about y'all, but I hate wearing a dust mask all the time!

1. 
   ArtKK | Mar 10, 2005 03:19pm | #8

   Believe me I understand. I were a mask at work a lot so I think I'm much more toleratn than most people. I find the biggest thing is a set of cloths that come off right after you're done working. Also, if you decide you want a mask let me know and I'll post where I get mine. They have a valve in the front so that when you exhale its not restricted.

   -Art K.

1. 
   spikeygeni | Mar 11, 2005 03:28am | #10

   Yes, I would like to know where you get your mask. I never used one with a valve. The ones in my shop give me a headache if I wear them for hours at a time. THey may be protective, but it's hard to move air through them.

5. 
   hammer1 | Mar 10, 2005 03:48pm | #9

   There's no doubt that some people are bothered by certain species. Any work place that uses wood is obligated to post the MSDS for wood fiber. The sheet says that wood dust can cause respiratory and dermatological irritation. It is listed as a known carcinogen. Anyone working around wood dust should take necessary precautions, long sleeves, gloves, respirators and so on. If you read some descriptions on various species, some have more of a tendency to cause one problem or the other. MDF dust irritates my skin so I stay away as much as possible. It may have been that. Others are bothered by rosewood. If you discover one that affects you, then, don't use it. The availability of exotic species have increased the incidence of such reactions.

   Beat it to fit / Paint it to match