Particleboard

SECTION 2: Hazards identification

EMERGENCY OVERVIEW: Manual or mechanical cutting or abrasion processes performed on the product can result in generation of wood dust.

Potential health effects

ACUTE: Wood dust may cause nasal dryness, irritation or obstruction when inhaled, and irritation to skin or eyes on contact. Coughing, wheezing, sneezing, sinusitis and prolonged colds have also been reported. Various species of wood dust may evoke allergic contact dermatitis in sensitized individuals. Ingestion in not likely to occur with normal use. CHRONIC: Wood dust, depending on species, may cause respiratory sensitization and/or irritation. 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. The National Toxicology Program (NTP) includes wood dust in its Annual Report on carcinogens.

HMIS® ratings

Health 1 Fire: 0

Physical hazards

0 Hazard Scale: 0 = Minimal 1 = Slight 2 = Moderate 3 = Serious 4 = Severe