poisonous woods...

[mikeyswood]

I'm sensitive to metals against my skin, and I have no idea why. I can't wear jewelry, watches, or glasses made from metal. Oddly enough, it doesn' tmatter if they are coated with varnish, I still get pain under the skin after a day or so and after a couple of days, the area under the metal will swell into a hive...

Hey homie - you're allergic to nickle. I am too and thought that was the stupidest allergy that I had ever heard of, but it's there.

Keep in mind that I am not a doctor; but I did stay at a Holiday Inn Express last night.

 

[Jazzdogg]

So what would the proper precautions be?

I started doing my first real woodworking recently, using some cocobolo and mahogany, and did find myself feeling kind of sick after a while of sawing and sanding (outside). Is there anything beyond wearing a respirator/using a filtration system if inside that can be done?

Remove wristwatch and jewelry. One common symptom is a rash or water blisters that develop when sawdust is trapped beneath a watch or ring.

 

[Beej]

Hey homie - you're allergic to nickle. I am too and thought that was the stupidest allergy that I had ever heard of, but it's there.

Keep in mind that I am not a doctor; but I did stay at a Holiday Inn Express last night.

Well, that's what my doctor told me too, but it still doesn't explain a few things. Years ago, I had a 24k gold pendant on a leather necklace, that also created a similar reaction. I guess it could have had trace nickel, but then that makes me extra-special-sensitive-guy.

Also, I received a pure titanium bracelet as a gift in the late 90's. That one not only turned me red but it made my entire wrist weak and achey within a couple of days. I guess I'm just an oddball...

 

[Big B.]

My limited experience with poisonous wood is Yew, I wasn't aware the wood was poisonous, and thought it was just the leaves...Well I inhaled a butt load but it had no affect, guess mine was bad s###, where's my dealer? Guess I'm lucky.

I wouldnt take that chance again. While some woods are irritating and cause unpleasant side effects in many people, some woods are just plain toxic and dangerous. Yew can be extremely toxic. There are examples of people dying from drinking from flasks made of yew. A respirator might be in order.