Wood dust hazard classification

What type of hazard is wood dust?

Wood dust has several hazards associated with exposure to it in the workplace. In general, exposure to excessive amounts is considered to have an irritant effect on the eyes, nose, and throat in addition to pulmonary function impairment and is considered a human carcinogen.

OSHA lists different types of woods and provides information about each one and how they may affect humans as below.

Wood Dust.

Particulates (Not Otherwise Regulated).

Wood Dust and Work-related Asthma.

Toxic Woods.

Biological Hazards and Chemical Additives
The health effects associated with wood dust come not only from the wood dust itself but also biological organisms such as mold and fungi which grow on the wood, and chemicals such as formaldehyde, copper naphthenate, and pentachlorophenol used in the processing of some wood.

Dust Explosions
In addition to the health effects of wood dust, airborne dust can create the potential for a dust explosion.