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Wood Toxicity & Human Response

Wood Toxicity & Human Response. Marian McGee June 14, 2011 Valley Woodturners. Key Concepts. Structural Components Accessory Components Bioresponse Protection & Control. Structural Components. Cellulose used for paper production long, string like molecule high tensile strength

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Wood Toxicity & Human Response

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  1. Wood Toxicity&Human Response Marian McGee June 14, 2011 Valley Woodturners

  2. Key Concepts • Structural Components • Accessory Components • Bioresponse • Protection & Control

  3. Structural Components • Cellulose • used for paper production • long, string like molecule • high tensile strength • Hemicellulose • less complex branch • likes to link lignin and cellulose • Lignin • most complex • responsible for the strength and rigidity of the substance • classifiable • Hardwoods • Softwoods • grasses

  4. Accessory Substances/Extractives • Fats, resins, oils, waxes • Proteins, gums, latex, mucus, starch & sugars • Alkaloids, dyes, tannins, glycosides camphor, perfumes • Inorganic and organic salts and acids • Minerals(e.g. calcium, potassium, sodium, etc.)

  5. Quinones • Chemicals in the wood’s lignin, hemicellulose and cellulose • designed as a defense against fungus and other predators (including woodturners) • particular to a species and probably to related species

  6. Bioresponse • Skin/dermis • Respiratory system • Cardiovascular system • Neurological system • Endocrine system

  7. Signs of Toxicity

  8. Allergic Reaction • Phase 1 • penetrates the white blood cells in the epidermis • travels to lymph nodes where T cells may or may not recognize the “invader”

  9. Bioresponse Phase • Reaction • the T cells release a protein which will attract white blood cells to fight and destroy everything close by • (including skin cells – rash & blisters) • may also manifest redness • (vasodilation) & itching (neurological response) • Anaphylaxis – rapid physical ‘shutdown’ and ****!!!!! • initially undetected physical response****!!!!

  10. Outcomes/Consequences • Possible: • headaches • bronchitis, rhinitis • sinusitis • dermatitis • cancers • nasal, • throat, • lungs, • skin, • endocrine

  11. Critical Equation!!! Element(s) of the wood + Dosage (i.e. the length of exposure & the number of undesirable molecules) + Strength/Power (of the wood molecules) + Vulnerability (of the person) = Your Level of Risk

  12. Protection & Control • Understand • the profile of your wood – its growth site, potency • Learn • your personal vulnerabilities/sensitivities – skin, respiratory, gastro intestinal, eyes, etc. • Take • appropriate protective action • e.g. • Full respiratory protection & dust control • Hand washing and well fitted gloves • Workshop clothes and face shield

  13. References • Woods Toxic to Man – author unknown • Vancouver Woodturners Guild • Meir, Eric – Wood Allergies and Toxicity • BMEzine Encyclopaedia – Wood Hazards • Wood Toxicity Table – Toxic Woods Information Sheet #30 • www.wood-database.com/wood-articles/wood-allergies-and-toxicity/

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