CA Prop 65

Proposition 65 Warnings www.P65Warnings.ca.gov

Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment

Wood Dust

Why am I being warned about potential exposure to wood dust?



Wood dust is on the Proposition 65 list because it can cause

cancer.

Exposure to wood dust on a recurring basis can cause cancers of

the nose, throat and sinuses.

Proposition 65 requires businesses to determine if they must

provide a warning about exposures to listed chemicals.



What is wood dust?

 Wood dust is generated when machines or tools are used to cut or shape timber

and other wood materials. Activities like chipping, sawing, drilling, sanding or

woodturning create wood dust.

How does exposure to wood dust occur?

 The cutting, shaping and sanding of wood releases wood dust into the air, where

it can be inhaled. Wood dust also settles onto tables, floors and other surfaces.

When disturbed, it can become airborne again and can be inhaled. Handling

wood dust and materials containing wood dust, such as compost, can also lead

to wood dust being inhaled.

Wood dust is released to air when:

a) Wood is cut, shaped or sanded

b) Materials containing wood dust are handled

People breathe in

air that contains

wood dust

November 2016 1/3

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Proposition 65 Warnings www.P65Warnings.ca.gov Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment Wood Dust Why am I being warned about potential exposure to wood dust? !  Wood dust is on the Proposition 65 list because it can cause cancer.  Exposure to wood dust on a recurring basis can cause cancers of the nose, throat and sinuses.  Proposition 65 requires businesses to determine if they must provide a warning about exposures to listed chemicals.
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OEHHA Wood Dust How can I reduce my exposure to wood dust?  Work outside if possible when you are sanding or creating fine wood dust. Wear a dust mask that fits snugly and comfortably.  If you work often with wood, are a hobbyist, or do home improvement projects with wood:  Consider installing a dust-collection or air-filtration system in your indoor work space to help capture and remove wood dust at the source.
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OEHHA Wood Dust Scientific Information on Wood Dust  State of California Department of Industrial Relations (DIR)  Wood Dusts https://www.dir.ca.gov/oshsb/documents/Airborne-Contaminants-Wood-Dustand-Western-Red-Cedar-1-TLV-2005.pdf  Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)  Wood Dust http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/pel88/wooddust.html National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS)  Wood Dust https://ntp.niehs.nih.