All wood dust is hazardous
Breathing any wood dust over years raises the risk of nose and sinus cancer, and some woods also cause asthma or skin allergies. Look up a wood to see what the evidence says, then protect yourself.
Most-asked-about woods
- Oak Quercus spp. Cancer, Asthma / respiratory allergy, Respiratory irritation, Eye irritation Strongest evidence: Confirmed in clinical testing
- Maple Acer spp. Cancer, Respiratory irritation, Hypersensitivity pneumonitis Strongest evidence: Listed by an agency
- Walnut Juglans spp. Cancer, Asthma / respiratory allergy, Respiratory irritation, Skin allergy, Skin irritation Strongest evidence: Confirmed in clinical testing
- Cherry Prunus serotina Cancer
- Pine Pinus spp. Cancer, Asthma / respiratory allergy, Respiratory irritation, Eye irritation, Skin allergy, Skin irritation, Sun sensitivity (photosensitization), Hypersensitivity pneumonitis Strongest evidence: Confirmed in clinical testing
Why every wood matters
The International Agency for Research on Cancer classifies wood dust as a cause of cancer in people. Fine dust you cannot see does the most harm, and the effects add up over years. Read about the risks and how to protect yourself.