Wood Dust (Untreated)

SECTION 2: Hazards identification

INHALATION May cause nasal dryness, irritation, coughing, and sinusitis. Repeated exposures (even below 5 mg/m3) to certain wood dusts, such as Western Red Cedar, can produce allergic responses in some sensitive individuals. SKIN CONTACT May evoke allergic contact dermatitis in sensitized individuals. SKIN ABSORPTION Not known to occur. EYE CONTACT Dust may cause temporary irritation, mechanical irritation, or a burning sensation to the eyes. INGESTION Not applicable. WOOD DUST: Wood dust may cause nasal dryness, irritation, and obstruction. Wood dust may cause nasal dryness, irritation, and obstruction. Coughing, wheezing, and sneezing; sinusitis and prolonged colds have also been reported. Depending on species, may cause respiratory sensitization and/or irritation. Wood dust is not considered a potential cancer hazard by OSHA. The National Toxicology Program (NTP)and the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classifies wood dust as a carcinogen to humans (Group 1). This classification is based primarily on IARC’s evaluation of increased risk in the occurrence of adenocarcinomas of the nasal cavities and paranasal sinuses associated with exposure to wood dust. IARC did not find sufficient evidence to associate cancers of the oropharynx, hypopharynx, lung, lymphatic and hematopoietic systems, stomach, colon, or rectum with exposure to wood dust.SECTION 4 FIRST-AID MEASURES