Wood Dust

Classification

Classification varies by species and supplier. A representative US wood dust SDS lists: Carcinogenicity, Category 1A; Skin irritation, Category 2; Eye irritation, Category 2B; STOT single exposure, Category 3 (respiratory tract irritation). It also carries the OSHA combustible dust hazard.

Hazard statements

• H350 May cause cancer.
• H315 Causes skin irritation.
• H320 Causes eye irritation.
• H335 May cause respiratory irritation.
• May form combustible dust concentrations in air.

Key precautionary statements

• P201 Obtain special instructions before use.
• P261 Avoid breathing dust.
• P271 Use only outdoors or in a well-ventilated area.
• P280 Wear protective gloves and eye protection.
• P308+P313 IF exposed or concerned: Get medical advice or attention.
• P405 Store locked up.
• P501 Dispose of contents and container in accordance with local regulations.

OSHA has no limit written specifically for wood dust. It is regulated as particulates not otherwise regulated (PNOR) under 29 CFR 1910.1000 Table Z-1, with a PEL of 15 mg/m³ total dust and 5 mg/m³ respirable dust as 8-hour TWAs. These are far higher than current recommendations. NIOSH treats wood dust as a potential occupational carcinogen with a REL of 1 mg/m³ TWA. The ACGIH TLV is 1 mg/m³ (inhalable fraction) for most species and 0.5 mg/m³ for western red cedar, which also carries skin and respiratory sensitization notations. Cal/OSHA sets 2 mg/m³ TWA with a 5 mg/m³ STEL for most species and 0.5 mg/m³ for western red cedar. State OSHA plans may set different limits.

• Appearance: Tan to dark fibrous or granular powder; color and odor depend on the species
• Odor: Varies by species
• Molecular weight: Varies
• Boiling point: Not applicable
• Melting point: Not applicable
• Flash point: Not applicable (combustible solid)
• Autoignition temperature: About 400–500°F (204–260°C), varies
• Explosive limits: Lower explosive limit about 40 g/m³ as a dust cloud
• Vapor pressure: 0 mmHg (approx.)
• Specific gravity: About 0.56; varies with species and moisture
• Water solubility: Insoluble

Inhalation

Fine dust from sawing, sanding, routing and planing irritates the nose and throat. Effects include nosebleeds, sinus problems, prolonged colds, cough and wheezing. Some woods, especially western red cedar, can sensitize the airways and cause asthma. Allergic lung inflammation (granulomatous pneumonitis) has also been reported.

Skin

Causes irritation and, in sensitized workers, allergic dermatitis.

Eyes

Dust irritates the eyes.

Ingestion

Not a significant route of exposure in normal use.

Target organs

Eyes, skin, respiratory system

Long-term effects

Wood dust causes cancer of the nasal cavity and sinuses. IARC classifies it as Group 1 (carcinogenic to humans), and ACGIH rates oak and beech as confirmed human carcinogens. Composite boards such as particleboard and MDF are made with resin binders, and overheating or burning wood can release formaldehyde.

Gloves

Work gloves to limit skin contact, especially with species known to cause dermatitis. See hand protection.

Eyes and face

Safety glasses with side shields or goggles; add a face shield for machining that throws chips.

Respiratory

Control dust at the source first. Where respirators are needed, choose them under a written respiratory protection program (29 CFR 1910.134) based on measured exposure. Because NIOSH treats wood dust as a carcinogen, its Pocket Guide lists only SCBA or supplied-air respirators above the REL, and a full-facepiece respirator with N100, R100 or P100 filters for escape.

Clothing

Work clothes or coveralls with long sleeves. Do not clean clothing with compressed air.

Capture dust where it is made, using local exhaust ventilation and dust collectors on saws, sanders and routers. This is the first step in the hierarchy of controls.

Do not let dust build up on floors, beams, ducts or equipment, because settled dust can feed a secondary explosion. Clean with vacuums suitable for combustible dust instead of compressed air or dry sweeping, control ignition sources, and use electrical equipment rated for hazardous locations where required.

Keep away from

• Open flames, sparks, hot surfaces and other ignition sources

• Avoid raising a dust cloud and remove ignition sources.
• Wear eye protection, gloves and, where dust is airborne, a respirator.
• Collect with a vacuum suitable for combustible dust, or lightly dampen and shovel. Do not use compressed air.
• Place in closed containers for disposal.
• Wood dust is not regulated as a hazardous material for transport, so no ERG guide applies.

Suitable extinguishing media

• Water spray
• Dry chemical
• Carbon dioxide (CO₂)
• Sand
• Avoid a heavy water stream, which can lift dust into the air

Special hazards

Dust clouds can explode if ignited, and layers of dust can smolder. Fires produce carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide and formaldehyde. Firefighters should wear SCBA and full protective gear.

• OSHA Hazard Communication (29 CFR 1910.1200): Wood dust is a hazardous chemical and a combustible dust; labels, safety data sheets and worker training required.
• OSHA Air Contaminants (29 CFR 1910.1000 Table Z-1): Regulated as PNOR, 15 mg/m³ total and 5 mg/m³ respirable dust.
• OSHA Respiratory Protection (29 CFR 1910.134): Applies where respirators are used.
• OSHA Hazardous Locations (29 CFR 1910.307): Electrical equipment in areas with combustible dust.
• OSHA Revised Combustible Dust National Emphasis Program (CPL 03-00-008, January 30, 2023): Listed by OSHA among the directives that apply to wood dust.
• Cal/OSHA: 2 mg/m³ TWA and 5 mg/m³ STEL for most species; 0.5 mg/m³ for western red cedar. California Proposition 65 lists wood dust as a cause of cancer.
• DOT Hazardous Materials (49 CFR 172.101): Not regulated for transport.

• NIOSH Pocket Guide: Wood dust
• OSHA Occupational Chemical Database: Wood dust
• OSHA Wood Dust: Standards
• Timber Products SDS: Wood Dust (2026)
• IARC Monographs Volume 100C: Arsenic, Metals, Fibres and Dusts