Woodworking is a timeless craft that produces stunning creations, but it comes with hidden dangers, particularly from wood dust. Some of the most commonly used wood species in Australia can pose serious health risks.
Every time you cut, sand, or shape wood, fine particles are released into the air. These particles are small enough to be inhaled and can linger in your workspace long after the work is done.
Inhaled wood dust isn’t just an annoyance; it can have serious health implications. For starters, it’s a common irritant that can affect your skin, eyes, and respiratory system, causing itching, redness, or persistent coughing. Prolonged exposure can lead to more severe respiratory conditions, including asthma or chronic bronchitis, and in rare cases, even nasal cancer.
Sensitisers
What makes this threat even more concerning is that some types of wood are classified as "sensitisers." These woods can trigger allergic reactions that grow increasingly severe with repeated exposure. This means a reaction that starts as mild skin irritation or sneezing can escalate into full-blown respiratory distress or even force you to avoid working with that wood entirely.
The risks are magnified if proper precautions aren’t taken. Without a dust-free environment or the right safety equipment, these particles can accumulate, not only in the air but on surfaces, posing a long-term risk to both your health and your workspace. The dangers of wood dust make it essential to understand which woods are more hazardous and to take preventive measures to protect yourself.
Let's explore 10 commonly used woods in Australia, which we've ranked from least hazardous to most.
10. Cypress, Monterey (Hesperocyparis macrocarpa, Cupressus macrocarpa)
- Reaction: Skin irritant
- Affected Areas: Skin
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Potency: 2/4
This durable and weather-resistant wood is widely used for outdoor furniture, fencing, and decking. Its natural resistance to decay makes it a favourite for applications exposed to the elements, while its fine grain also makes it appealing for indoor paneling and decorative purposes. The fine dust from this wood can irritate the skin and respiratory tract, potentially causing allergic reactions or asthma-like symptoms.
9. Myrtle (Myrtaceae)
- Reaction: Sensitiser, respiratory irritant
- Affected Areas: Skin, lungs
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Potency: 2/4
Valued for its distinctive red hues and fine grain, Myrtle is a popular choice for furniture-making, cabinetry, and woodturning. The wood’s workability and smooth finish also make it highly sought after for veneer production and smaller items such as bowls and utensils. Prolonged exposure to Myrtle dust can irritate the eyes, nose, and throat, and in some cases, may lead to dermatitis
8. Pine / Huon Pine (Lagarostrobos franklinii, Macquarie pine)
- Reaction: Irritant
- Affected Areas: Skin, lungs, eyes
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Potency: 2/4
Renowned for its rot resistance and workability, Huon Pine is an essential material for boat building. Beyond marine use, it’s also a favorite for fine furniture, musical instruments, and intricate carvings, thanks to its smooth finish and attractive grain. Huon Pine dust can irritate the lungs and skin, and some individuals report respiratory allergies.
7. Blackwood, Australian (Acacia melanoxylon)
- Reaction: Sensitiser, asthma
- Affected Areas: Skin, eyes, lungs
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Potency: 2/4
A beautiful tonewood, Australian Blackwood is widely used for musical instruments such as guitars, violins, and pianos. Its rich appearance also makes it ideal for furniture, flooring, and decorative veneers, while its strength lends itself to construction joinery. Blackwood dust is known to cause irritation to the eyes and respiratory system and can result in allergic dermatitis for some individuals with prolonged contact.
6. Mahogany, African (Entandrophragma, Khaya, Afzelia)
- Reaction: Sensitiser, NPC (rare)
- Affected Areas: Skin, lungs
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Potency: 3/4
Highly prized for high-end furniture-making and cabinetry, African Mahogany’s warm tones and workability also make it a top choice for boat interiors and trim. Additionally, its sound-resonant properties make it a sought-after wood for musical instruments. Dust from African Mahogany is a sensitiser that can lead to allergic dermatitis, respiratory problems, and conjunctivitis. Repeated exposure increases the risk.
5. Maple (Acer genus)
- Reaction: Sensitiser, irritant
- Affected Areas: Skin, lungs
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Potency: 3/4
Known for its hardness and durability, Maple is a staple in flooring, butcher blocks, and kitchen countertops. It is also a preferred material for cabinetry, furniture, and sports equipment like baseball bats. Its acoustic properties make it indispensable for musical instruments like violins and guitars. Maple wood dust can cause nasal irritation, lung inflammation, and, in rare cases, sensitisation. The risks increase with frequent exposure.
4. Silky Oak, Southern
- Reaction: Blistering, eyelid inflammation
- Affected Areas: Skin, eyes
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Potency: 3/4
The striking texture of Southern Silky Oak makes it ideal for furniture, flooring, and paneling. Its workability and decorative appeal are highly valued in veneer production and intricate wood projects like inlays and turnings. The dust from Silky Oak can cause allergic reactions such as skin irritation, nasal discomfort, and mild respiratory symptoms.
3. Cedar, Australian Red (Toona ciliata)
- Reaction: Sensitiser, bronchitis, migraines
- Affected Areas: Skin, lungs
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Potency: 3/4
This versatile wood is popular for fine furniture and musical instruments, thanks to its smooth texture and beautiful grain. It is also a key choice for outdoor applications like decking and cladding, as well as lightweight construction elements such as doors and window frames. Red Cedar dust can cause severe irritation to the eyes and lungs, potentially leading to chronic respiratory problems.
2. Mulga (Acacia aneura)
- Reaction: Headache, nausea, lesions
- Affected Areas: Skin, lungs, eyes
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Potency: 4/4
This dense hardwood is excellent for turned objects like bowls, pens, and small sculptures. Historically, Mulga was used by Indigenous Australians to make spearheads and tools due to its toughness. Today, it is also used in ornamental woodwork and decorative pieces like jewellery. Mulga dust can cause irritation and sensitisation reactions. Dermatitis and allergic respiratory issues have been noted with frequent exposure.
1. Cedar, Western Red (Thuja plicata)
- Reaction: Sensitiser, nervous system effects
- Affected Areas: Skin, eyes, lungs
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Potency: 4/4
Known for its durability and resistance to decay, Western Red Cedar is a staple for outdoor projects, including fencing, siding, and decking. Indoors, it’s a favourite for saunas, ceiling linings, and paneling, owing to its natural insulating properties and pleasant aroma. The dust from Western Red Cedar is highly allergenic and can trigger asthma-like symptoms or long-term respiratory conditions. It’s one of the most hazardous woods for dust exposure.
Click here to view the full list of hazardous woods
Protect Yourself with Dust-Free Solutions
Regardless of the wood you’re working with, personal protection is essential. Wearing gloves, goggles, and a dust mask is a good start, but investing in innovative tools can transform your workspace.
Mirka’s dust-free system minimizes airborne dust, combining high-performance abrasives, sanders, and extractors. These tools protect your health and create a cleaner, more enjoyable environment for crafting your projects.
Choose safety and innovation—craft with confidence while protecting your lungs for years to come.
