Wood from cutting boards???

[Fat Boy]

I go to garage sales from time to time and i always see wood cutting boards for a dollar or two. I know they are all solid hardwood and some have nice grain patterns to them. I have seen many that are thick enough to make blanks out of and the rest would be great for segmenting. i usually pass on these because i am worried about turning them. I have gotten rid of a few from my kitchen because they get mold on them and i am not sure how deep that goes in to the wood and i surely do not want to turn it and run the risk of inhaling it. Am i being paranoid or is this a concern? is there a way to make sure the wood is safe for turning? when i am in the shop sanding or turning i always use my respirator that i paint cars with, may be over kill but i feel better.. any thoughts to put my mind at ease and maybe get some blanks for a killer price? Thank you in adavance.

 

[hewunch]

I have cut up some. If the grain is nice on the outside, it can be nice on the inside. Give it a whirl.

 

[Monty]

... I have gotten rid of a few from my kitchen because they get mold on them and i am not sure how deep that goes in to the wood and i surely do not want to turn it and run the risk of inhaling it. ...

Do you not turn any spalted wood? As long as you use a good dust collection system and mask/respirator when you turn, should present no problems.