So I discovered I'm allergic to African Pearwood (Baillonella toxisperma)

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sbwertz

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Picked up some African pearwood the other day. First time I turned it I almost sneezed my head off! And it TASTES AWFUL.

I got some of the shavings in my mouth and it is really bitter. Really pretty wood though. Fortunately my student wasn't allergic to it, too.

Unfortunately, there is no way I can wear a respirator while teaching a blind student. They have to be able to hear me clearly.
 
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MartinPens

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Now that's a real predicament! Maybe there is something that will filter air you breathe in through your nose only? Then just open your mouth and talk quickly when you have too. šŸ˜‚
 

Lucky2

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Sharon, I would bring it no where close to where I lived, especially, if I already knew I was allergic to it. Yes you may have a respirator and dust collector and all of that, but there's nothing that will or can keep 100% of the contaminants out of the air, or off of everything else you touch afterwards.

Len
 

sbwertz

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According to the wood toxicity chart, it is mildly allergenic to eyes and nose for some people. I made a pepper shaker out of it at the center (lined with a plastic tube, so no contact with the spice.) It is not labeled a "sensitizer" so I should be ok with a respirator.

One of our trainers had the same reaction to cedar. Made him sneeze every time we turned it. No serious reaction though. Like hay fever.
 
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