Allergic reaction to wood.

[JRK]

Last weekend a rash started on my left wrist, wasn't too bad at first. Got progressively worse over the last few days. It is particularly bad where my watch band sits on my wrist. It has also appeared on my right arm, chest, and forehead. Not too bad on right arm and forehead. I also was congested for a few days.

The only thing that I can figure is that it is from turning pens. I've using Montirello Rosewood blanks from Rockler. I may have also used Brazilian Rosewood. The chips end up on my hands and wrists and also can be going down my shirt. I wear a face shield while turning, and the rash on my forehead is above where the face shield covers.

I was blaming the congestion on pollen etc.. That is usually bad during the spring, but maybe the wood caused that too.

I found a site on the internet which talks about different types of wood, It says Rosewood is an irritant and sensitizer, it has 5 stars out of 5. Cocobolo also appears to be a bad one. Although I have not turned any Cocobolo yet.

https://www.wood-database.com/wood-articles/wood-allergies-and-toxicity/

I just got a Turners apron which will probably protect my chest from the chips.

Other than washing with soap and water as soon as I finish, I have no idea how to protect myself from the chips. I will stop wearing my watch when turning. I do not want to wear long sleeves when turning. I am aware of that danger.

Going to the doctor later today for a checkup, and I am hoping he can prescribe something to help.

Just wondering what others are doing?

Jerry

 

[Curly]

Once you become sensitized to woods it only gets worse if you don't take the precautions, stop using them or you be driven out of your shop for good.

You should get a very powerful dust collector and vent it outside if you can, 3hp minimum, 6" ducts. Read Bill Pentz's site. If you do it right you shoudn't need the following.

A good respirator, preferably full face or a good powered respirator.

Since your skin is sensitized now, Tyvek or similar suit with gloves taped at the wrists.

When done for the day take a shower to get any dust off your body.

As beautiful as many of the tropicals and some domestics are it's probably best to set them aside until you the dust controlled. You don't want your respiratory system to go through what your skin is starting to go through.

 

[mecompco]

Exactly the reason i soon quit turning Cocobolo. First few pens were fine, then the rash started. Got progressively worse--after the third bout that look a month to clear up, even with long sleeves and a smock on, I gave it up. I understand the various Rosewoods have similar toxic effects on some people.

 

[mark james]

Hi Jerry, I suspect you will get lots of feedback, so I'll be brief.

I cannot turn any Rosewoods or Bloodwood.

1. I use a cyclone dust collector.
2. I use overhead air filtration - where the air flow is also blowing from behind be, directing the air into my dust collector port for additional dust moving away from me.
3. I use a face shield always. But at times also a respirator.
4. I use a Sorby turning smock that has long sleeves, reasonably snug.
5. I regularly wash my turning clothes (a dedicated set of pants/shirts) by themselves. Don't wash other clothing with your turning stuff (overkill maybe, but the possibility of cross contamination is not worth it. Don't simply throw your turning stuff into a laundry basket with other clothing - wash it right away or keep it separate.

When I developed skin rashes, it took almost 2 years and a king's ransom of different medications to get a combination that worked. These procedures are working for me.

Good luck! Be mindful of your lungs.

Final comment from my Chemist Wife (Urethane specialist): After being sensitized, it will not go away, it will only get worse with continued exposure, airflow and skin and lung exposure is paramount.

 

[cjester]

I mostly minimize how much I use rosewoods. Many are endangered and protected under CITES now.

In addition to your apron, you could look into a bandana or "doo rag" type cap to cover your forehead.

Dust collection might help reduce how much direct contact you have as well.

 

[pshrynk]

You might try wrapping your wrists in wide paper tape. It comes off easily and provides a barrier that is tight fitting to the skin and therefore minimal catching risk. Not sure what you could do about the hands themselves, though.

 

[JRK]

You might try wrapping your wrists in wide paper tape. It comes off easily and provides a barrier that is tight fitting to the skin and therefore minimal catching risk. Not sure what you could do about the hands themselves, though.

Oddly enough my hands are not affected. I guess washing them when I use the restroom may have saved them.

 

[leehljp]

Lots of good information above.

I grew up on a farm and around logging and sawmills. So far, I have not had any reaction to different kinds of woods. I lived in Japan 25+ yearsand traveled in SE Asia, picking up different kinds of woods, so I have been fortunate in that area.

However, I did and do have a severe reaction to CA fumes and CA Dust. I made pens for 2+ years before I had my first reaction. My third reaction was severe flu like and mild double vision.

I liked using CA as a finish as I had mastered it after 2 years. After the reaction, I tried all kinds of finish to avoid CA. Nothing was as quick as CA, not even lacquer. Curing times on other finishes required about 24 hours at best.

-> Now, to the point: After not finding a good finish to replace CA on most of my pens, I set about to find out how to minimize the allergy. I went overboard, but it works!
1. I bought a dedicated DC system for the lathe (3 inch hose [Japan]);
2. I bought a good respirator that sealed well on my face. I added googles that fit over my glasses and a face mask
3. I wore fairly tight long sleeves and usually used latex or nitrile gloves.
4. I started taking a damp towel with me everytime I went into the shop to turn pens. I would wipe down my sleeves and hands after finishing.
Some people use a fan blowing across the lathe to blow excess dust away, but I found that spread dust and it would build up in other places, so I focused on letting the DC unit collect all that it could. In some cases, blowing the dust away from the lathe might work, but if in an enclosed space, the fan will disperse it onto shelves, walls, tables and tools and it will bite you a month or two down the line after it builds up and then when you work with areas or tools that have the dust on it.

5. Of course I take OTC allergy pills when I am doing it.

It didn't take long for me to adjust to the ritual of allergy prevention and still use the finish that I liked.

 

[Alan Morrison]

I am only aware after reading this thread how hazardous pen making is to your health, and I thought that it only damaged your pocket.
I now thank God that I have not suffered from any of the above but now have to review my own health and safety position in the workshop.
Thanks Jerry for starting this thread and all the good comments that followed.
Alan

 

[Gary Beasley]

Might want to look into a product like Liquid Glove to make a temporary barrier on the skin for work.

 

[acmaclaren]

This is the smock I wear. I ordered it from the UK, because I couldn't find one locally. They'll even embroider your name on it. I really love mine.

https://www.toolpost.co.uk/workwear/woodturners-smock

I also use a Fein Turbo II vacuum and Rockler Dust Right® Lathe Dust Collection System to suck up chips while I turn. I also have a shield over whatever I turn. So chips that don't get suck up right away deflect away from me. I also have an air fan to suck any dust particles away.

 

[Shock me]

With near certainty, you are allergic to Rosewood. You have a contact dermatitis which corresponds closely to your exposed areas from a wood species known to be allergenic. You may or may not be allergic to other woods that are also commonly allergenic. I would not employ any of the above measures to mitigate the exposure while continuing to turn rosewood, the risks are just too high. Sadly, the truth is that you should no longer work with this species. Be very careful in working with other species, wear additional protective gear and at the first sign of allergic reaction, add that species to your banned list. Sorry.

 

[MRDucks2]

I just completed the spreadsheet referencing data from wood-database.com for all woods I either own or I am interested in owning. The list of will only hurt you because it is dust is much shorter than the woods that can cause problems.

Some are "sensitizers, as mentioned, and of course, respiratory, eye, skin. But a couple, I listed a potential Nerve agents. They can be nasty.


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[dogcatcher]

2 different issues, some woods are toxic to humans, and some people are allergic to some woods. I know one person that is allergic to maple, she breaks out in hives just touching maple. If you have a problem with a wood, it s best to stop using it, or one day you might land up in the hospital ER or get more than a short stay.

 

[Sylvanite]

It is said that there are two types of woodworkers:

1. Those who are allergic to Cocobolo (i.e. Rosewood), and
2. Those who will be.

 

[leehljp]

I said in my post that I have not had an allergy to wood yet, but I forgot one instance. A large tree was being cut down a block away from our house about 14 years ago. It had some large long dead vines on it and I picked up a piece about 2 ft long and nearly 3 inches in diameter. It was dead and dry!

I took it home and cut it into pen blanks late that afternoon. Next morning, I was covered in rash all over and on my face too, which was swollen. Went to the doctor at 9 AM and without looking up the receptionist said, "We are already filled up for the morning, come back this afternoon." Then she looked up at me, had a horror look on her face and said to me: "Come back here NOW. DOCTOR, this one is next!"

I got a shot and some meds too. It was Poison Oak and the dry dead PO was just as toxic to me as green PO.

 

[More4dan]

I had the same reaction to Moradillo, Bolivian Rosewood. Patches of rash like poison ivy popping up over a week or two. I was miserable. It took several Dr. visits and some strong meds to subdue it. There is a special soap made for cleaning poison ivy and oak oils off your skin called Tecnu. I use this when turning new woods. My allergist told me to take some sawdust from a wood I am concerned about, wet it and wear it under a bandaid on my forearm. If I am allergic it will form a rash or welp after several hours. Then I know to stay away from it or take protective measures. After my last experience I tend to avoid. When the itching got so bad I couldn't stand it, I would take a hair dryer and blow hot air on the rash. The itching would intensify until nerves overloaded and then stop itching for a few hours so I could sleep. Only took a couple minutes. What you really don't want is to have the reaction in your throat and lungs.


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[Wildman]

When in doubt check the chart and wear adequate (PPE) personal protective clothing, equipment, and dust collection. If can afford a proper size hanging or bench top air/dust filter get one. Many folks have made their own. Do pay attention to advice about just because don't see a wood listed it may not be perfectly safe. No wood dust is safe regardles of the species.

https://www.wood-database.com/wood-articles/wood-allergies-and-toxicity/

 

[cozee]

Cocobolo makes me itch. Desert Ironwood makes me break out. I still turn them, taking the proper precautions.

 

[terry q]

I'm told there are two types of turners that use Cocobolo. Those who are allergic and those who going to be allergic.

 

[mark james]

With near certainty, you are allergic to Rosewood. You have a contact dermatitis which corresponds closely to your exposed areas from a wood species known to be allergenic. You may or may not be allergic to other woods that are also commonly allergenic. I would not employ any of the above measures to mitigate the exposure while continuing to turn rosewood, the risks are just too high. Sadly, the truth is that you should no longer work with this species. Be very careful in working with other species, wear additional protective gear and at the first sign of allergic reaction, add that species to your banned list. Sorry.

I fully agree, Greg. I may not have been clear. While I have taken logical precautions going forward for unknown allergens, I have also eliminated the known species of woods that I am allergic/sensitive to - gone from my stash!

If I have a bad reaction from a specific wood - that's a done deal for me. Too many nice timbers still available to be careless with a known allergen. I love Cocobolo - and greatly admire pictures of it!

 

[WriteON]

Good luck! Be mindful of your lungs.

4 Star advice.

 

[jttheclockman]

Everyone's immune system is different and any species of wood can cause an allergic reaction. Rosewood family is a high toxic candidate for many people as well as most exotics but even walnut has some people allergic to. Unfortunately the best answer is to avoid. But with that said any dust in a shop is not good for your lungs so you need to be concerned with that and there are measures out there that can help. But also remember to not carry your clothes through the house after working in the shop because now you may expose other members of the family. You should not wash your clothes with normal laundry too.

There are so many environmental hazards as well as physical dangers in a simple home workshop that much is overlooked. I know this is going to sound mean to all those people who think kids in a workshop is cute but it is my opinion and will voice it, I hate to see kids working in a shop weather supervised or not. Their lungs are not developed as adults and even turning plastics can have an effect that is unknown. The same rules for cleanliness applies to them as well. Not to sound like the world is coming to an end but shop safety does not stop and it is the unseen things that can hurt just as bad..

Talk about allergies. I never had allergies related to weather or grass and pollens and things but this year I am having problems on certain days. Sinuses filling and eyes watering. I have to cut grass with a mask on. It has been such a rainy season here in NJ, almost every other day. I now feel for those who have gone through this their entire lives.

 

[sbwertz]

All the dalbergias can cause allergic reactions, but cocobolo is the worst. I won't turn it at the blind center. I'm not allergic to it, so if any comes in a donation, I take it home. I can't risk someone having a bad allergic reaction to it down there.

One of my trainers was allergic to cedar! He would snort and sneeze and drip every time someone turned it. Fortunately it didn't last long, and was not debilitating. He moved to Texas last year and I teased him that it was to get away from the cedar.

I can't wear a respirator down there because I can't talk clearly with one on, and working with biind turners, you need to be heard clearly. We do wear dust masks, though...It's funny to watch the first time someone tries to blow the shaving off wearing a mask or a face shield. I've done it myself...makes you feel pretty foolish.

In my home shop I have the Resp O Rator and really like it. It doesn't interfere with my goggles or face shield like most of them do.

 

[JRK]

Thanks all. I went to the doctor yesterday and he gave me some cream to apply. We shall see how that goes. The Doctor doesn't want me using the lathe until the rash clears up.

I am done turning Rosewood, and I will stay away from Cocobolo also.

I just got a new Laguna Revo 12/16. I don't have a dust collector hood for it yet. The one that I have doesn't fitt. I've ordered a new one, that I hope will work.

I have the Rockler Dust Right dust collector with the filter that filters down to 1 micron. Unfortunately, I don't have the room for a better one.

I've been looking at Amazon for a face mask. I am not sure what to get. I assume something that filters dust. I use a face shield when turning, maybe that helps a little.

Jerry

 

[pshrynk]

You might try wrapping your wrists in wide paper tape. It comes off easily and provides a barrier that is tight fitting to the skin and therefore minimal catching risk. Not sure what you could do about the hands themselves, though.

Oddly enough my hands are not affected. I guess washing them when I use the restroom may have saved them.

Your hands will react much slower due to the thicker horny layer of skin. This is why your palms and soles of your feet don't tan or burn as quickly as the rest of your skin. It just takes longer for the allergen to soak in and set up a histaminic response.

All of the above is why I have always used a respirator and goggles. my brother told me of his reaction to cocobolo (not pretty) and made doubly sure that I wore PPE.

 

[JRK]

How about this mask?

https://smile.amazon.com/Anti-Pollu...rds=dust+mask&qid=1557415045&s=gateway&sr=8-5

Jerry

 

[Curly]

If a mask doesn't come with an actual NIOSH rating don't take a chance. They can claim anything they want but if they aren't certified you have no idea if they do what they say. I know of P95/100 and N100 filters but have never heard of a P or N99. If you turn without glasses look at a 3M 6000 series full face mask. It will protect your eyes too. If you wear specks they have a clip in frame for prescription lenses but that adds to the cost. Otherwise look at their half masks. Other brands have equivalents. Best is to go to a local industrial safety supplier that will do a fit test to make sure you have a comfortable and properly fitted respirator. If you have never bought this kind of stuff you won't know what to buy and have no idea if it will fit properly and not leak around your face somewhere.

 

[leehljp]

How about this mask?

https://smile.amazon.com/Anti-Pollu...rds=dust+mask&qid=1557415045&s=gateway&sr=8-5

Jerry

I use that type for cutting grass but not for turning. It is not as air tight as ones like Pete mentioned above.

Get something like these:

https://smile.amazon.com/3M-Facepie...teway&sprefix=respirator,aps,163&sr=8-15&th=1

https://smile.amazon.com/Organic-Re...7&s=gateway&sprefix=respirator,aps,163&sr=8-5

 

[JRK]

How about this mask?

https://smile.amazon.com/Anti-Pollu...rds=dust+mask&qid=1557415045&s=gateway&sr=8-5

Jerry

I use that type for cutting grass but not for turning. It is not as air tight as ones like Pete mentioned above.

Get something like these:

https://smile.amazon.com/3M-Facepie...teway&sprefix=respirator,aps,163&sr=8-15&th=1

https://smile.amazon.com/Organic-Re...7&s=gateway&sprefix=respirator,aps,163&sr=8-5

I need reading glasses to see clearly while I am turning. I would prefer the full face mask to keep chips from hitting me in the face. Does this work with glasses?

Jerry

 

[Curly]

You can't wear normal glasses with them because the mask won't seal around the arms of the glasses frame and will likely distort or break them too. You would need an accessory frame kit for the mask. Below is the one needed for the 3M 7000 series mask. You get prescription lenses fitted to them and they clip inside the mask.

https://www.3mcanada.ca/3M/en_CA/co...731053&preselect=3293786499+3294529206&rt=rud

That is why I suggest going to a company that can get the right mask and accessories for you. Buying online the first time is not necessarily a good idea because you are just guessing at what you need. The experts can find the right kind of mask and size for you. When you need new filters etc., you can shop around for cheaper supplies.

 

[JRK]

You can't wear normal glasses with them because the mask won't seal around the arms of the glasses frame and will likely distort or break them too. You would need an accessory frame kit for the mask. Below is the one needed for the 3M 7000 series mask. You get prescription lenses fitted to them and they clip inside the mask.

https://www.3mcanada.ca/3M/en_CA/co...731053&preselect=3293786499+3294529206&rt=rud

That is why I suggest going to a company that can get the right mask and accessories for you. Buying online the first time is not necessarily a good idea because you are just guessing at what you need. The experts can find the right kind of mask and size for you. When you need new filters etc., you can shop around for cheaper supplies.

I would if I could, but I have no idea where a store like that is located, or if there is one in my area.

 

[Curly]

Pretty much the same way you would track down saw sharpeners, woodworking machine sellers or wood merchants near your home. Search it. Try Industrial Safety Suppliers Bridgeton Missouri and see what comes up. You can try Saint Louis if there is no closer city. Do the same without the Industrial on it and try respirator suppliers in your area too. You should have at least half a dozen places if not more to try and if you call them and they don't have them they can refer you to those that do. You can also look at the 3M, Scott and any other makers that you are interested in as they will have a find a dealer area on the site.

 

[Karda]

if you have to wear gloves and long sleeves wear them, just make sure they are tight enough to not flop past the tool rest. No matter what you wear if you put your fingers where they don't belong you will get hurt.