Antler

[wrightal3]

Has anyone had any experience with health issues turning antler? Have turned several pens with only issue being smell. This weekend turned from an old rack and I still have odor in my nose and a slight cough this morning. Use face resperator type mask with charcoal & pad filters.

 

[dougle40]

There was some talk about the possibility of contacting "Anthrax" from them but according to the Center For Desease Control it's not likely .
See the thread below -
http://www.penturners.org/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=2504&SearchTerms=anthrax

 

[woodpens]

I have had chest congestion for several months after making several antler pens during the course of one week. It eventually cleared up, but it seemed to take forever. I make VERY few antler pens anymore.

 

[wrightal3]

Thanks Doug & Jim. Have new DC system on order which will improve conditins considerably. Think I will also replace my respirator as it is getting old.

 

[Rifleman1776]

Respectfully, that is antecdotal. It is not conclusive that the antler caused your problem. Nevertheless, I would agree that caution is always in order when we don't know for sure. Some internet research might help with this question.

Originally posted by woodpens
<br />I have had chest congestion for several months after making several antler pens during the course of one week. It eventually cleared up, but it seemed to take forever. I make VERY few antler pens anymore.

 

[wrightal3]

Received this reply from CDC re my query. Gives me some comfort.

CDC Public Inquiry [inquiry@cdc.gov]
In general, there's very little risk associated with deer antlers or dust generated by cutting or sanding them.

However, that being said, there are couple of exceptions to note:

1) If the individual is removing antlers from a deer harvested in a Chronic Wasting Disease endemic region, they should take reasonable precautions to avoid or limit contact with brain material when cutting through the skull plate.

2) If the deer came from a region where anthrax outbreaks among cattle and wildlife are common, and the deer was found dead (as opposed to harvested during a hunting season), the carcass should not be moved and antlers should not be removed or salvaged.

 

[rtparso]

I use a shop vac setup as a dust collector. I can't smell it and I don't use a resperator when turning antler.