Health & Safety in the Arts
A Searchable Database of
Health & Safety Information for Artists


Woodworking
ID Woodworking Tech Ingestion Haz Inhalation Haz Skin Contact Haz Other Hazards Precautions
1 WOOD HAZARDS




2 Hardwoods
Dusts irritating, can cause pneumonia Saps, lichens, liverworts irritating Inhalation can cause nasal or nasal sinus cancer Use common hardwoods, instead of rare, tropical ones; use ventilation/respirator; wear gloves/barrier cream; avoid sensitizing woods
3 Softwoods
May be irritating May be irritating May cause nasal or nasal sinus cancer Use common softwoods; use ventilation/respirator; wear gloves/ barrier cream; avoid sensitizing woods
4 Plywood & Composition Board Formaldehyde highly toxic Formaldehyde highly toxic Formaldehyde moderately toxic Carbon monoxide, hydrogen cyanide, phenol can also be released Use low-formaldehyde products; don't store large amounts of the wood in the shop (store in ventilated area); dust collectors should be exhausted to the outside
5 Wood Preservatives & Other Treatments Pentachlorophenol highly toxic, chromated copper arsenate extremely toxic Pentachlorophenol highly toxic, chromated copper arsenate extremely toxic Pentachlorophenol highly toxic, chromated copper arsenate highly toxic Carcinogenic; creosote carcinogenic; zinc, copper napthenate moderately toxic (if ingested) Obtain MSDS's for chemicals used; don't handle woods treated w/pentachlorophenol creosote; don't machine CCA-treated wood; use zinc/copper napthalene; wear respirator; use ventilation; don't burn the wood
6 CARVING & MACHINING WOOD
Dusts haz. Dusts haz. Machines noisy; accidents from tools; hand damage; shock; fire Equip machines w/dust collectors; place outside; wear respirator, goggles, face shield; vacuum sawdust; don't use noisy machines; have machine guards; cut away from you; have panic buttons
7 GLUING WOOD




8 Epoxy Glues
Moderately toxic Moderately toxic Moderately toxic by eye contact
9 Cyanoacrylate Glues
Long-term effects not studied Moderately toxic Moderately toxic by eye contact; can glue skin together
10 Formaldehyde-Resin Glues
Highly toxic Moderately toxic Highly toxic by eye contact; carcinogenic
11 Contact Adhesives Other solvents moderately toxic Hexane highly toxic; other solvents moderately toxic Other solvents moderately toxic Mineral spirits, naptha, 1,1,1-trichloroethane are other solvents
12 Water-Based Glues Not significantly toxic/slightly toxic Not significantly toxic/slightly toxic Slightly toxic

13 Dry Casein Glues Highly toxic Highly toxic Moderately toxic
For all glues: avoid formaldehyde; use water-based glues, instead of solvent-based; wear gloves/barrier creams, goggles, dust mask; use good ventilation; avoid flames
14 PAINT STRIPPING Other solvents highly toxic/moderately toxic Methylene chloride highly toxic; other solvents highly toxic/moderately toxic Methylene chloride moderately toxic; other solvents highly toxic/ moderately toxic Carcinogenic; flammable; corrosive; bleach + ammonia highly toxic Use Dimethyl adipate strippers; use solvent-based strippers outside; use ventilation, respirator; avoid open flames; wear gloves, goggles; have eyewash fountain, emergency shower available; avoid torches, heat guns
15 PAINTING & FINISHING Pigments haz., min. spirits, turpentine moderately toxic Pigments haz., min. spirits, turpentine moderately toxic Mineral spirits, turpentine moderately toxic Ethyl & Methyl alcohol slightly toxic to moderately toxic; flammable, combustible Use ready-made, water-based paints; don't eat, drink, smoke in painting area; wear gloves, goggles, respirator; use ventilation; spray in spray booth; use ethyl, NOT methyl alcohol; AVOID glycol ethers






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Disclaimer
This information set forth herein is furnished free of charge and is based on public domain information that is believed to be reliable. The City of Tucson makes no warranty as to the completeness or accuracy thereof. The information is to be used at an individual's own risk.
This web site is sponsored by the City of Tucson's Environmental Management Division through an Environmental Justice Grant.

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