Wood Dust

Sawing, sanding and routing wood fills the air with fine dust. Over time it can cause asthma, allergies and, for some hardwoods, cancer of the nose and sinuses. Built-up dust is also a fire and explosion hazard.

• Carpenters
• Cabinet & furniture makers
• Flooring installers

Health effects

• Cancer: wood dust is classified as a known human carcinogen, linked mainly to cancers of the nose and sinuses, especially in hardwood workers.
• Asthma: some woods, especially western red cedar, cause work-related asthma that can become permanent if exposure continues after symptoms start.
• Allergies and irritation: runny nose, nosebleeds, eye irritation and skin rashes. Many exotic hardwoods (like teak, rosewood and cocobolo) are strong irritants.
• Lung effects: coughing and reduced lung function with heavy, long-term exposure.

Engineered and treated wood

• MDF and particleboard create very fine dust and can release formaldehyde from the resins.
• Older pressure-treated wood (CCA, used for most residential lumber before about 2004) contains arsenic. Don’t burn it, and control dust when cutting.
• Painted wood in older buildings may have lead paint. See Lead.

Controlling dust

• Connect saws, sanders and routers to dust collection or a dust extractor. See Dust Extractors.
• Cut and sand outdoors or with good ventilation when you can.
• Clean up with a vacuum, not a broom or compressed air.
• Wear a respirator (at least an N95) for sanding and heavy cutting when dust collection isn’t enough. See Respiratory Protection.
• Wear safety glasses, and long sleeves if your skin reacts.
• Wash up and change clothes before going home.

Report symptoms

• Wheezing, chest tightness or cough that gets better on days off
• Frequent nosebleeds or a constantly blocked nose
• Skin rashes on hands, arms or face

Last updated: October 2, 2026