[Woodcarver] Walnut Toxicity

[WorkingInWood]

Hi Bill,
I fear I must apologize.  I knew that my use of walnut in small amounts for contrast in my cutting boards presented no problem as far as food contact was concerned.  Always untrusting of urban legends I've consulted the experts at Fine Woodworking Magazine and they concur that there might be a problem with some uses (especially to the woodworker as dust from sanding). This is what Mr. John White of FWM had to say:
--------------------------------------------
"Walnut does contain a chemical that is toxic to humans, animals and plants.Horses are especially affected by walnut and if they ingest some shavings with their hay they can be killed by it, the condition is called founders.  

Most humans aren't nearly as sensitive to walnut, but some woodworkers do develop a sensitivity, rashes and breathing difficulties, to the dust that can become quite severe with repeated exposures.  If you are sensitive you would need to protect yourself with excellent dust control, protective clothing, and thorough showering after exposure.  To be honest, if you are sensitive to walnut, or any one of dozens of other woods that cause problems, you are probably better off to avoid using it.

Walnut used in cutting boards isn't a problem since only minute amounts of the wood, if any at all, ever get into the food.  People like to blow up the possibility of a reaction to walnut in a cutting board way out of proportion, but I have never seen a credible story of anyone ever having a problem.

John White "

--------------------------------------------

To read the thread and all posts go to: http://forums.taunton.com/n/main.asp?webtag=fw-experts&msg=685  .  I hope this clears things up.

Larry


----- Original Message ----- 
From: Bill Judt 
To: [Woodcarver] 
Sent: Tuesday, January 09, 2007 11:27 AM
Subject: Re: [Woodcarver] Wood to carve spoons for cooking



Support our List:
http://wwwoodcarver.com/WWWList/WWWList.html





--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Larry:


Other NUT woods... like "African Walnut", otherwise known as "Mansonia". It is considered a walnut substitute. I consider it to be TOXIC.
Go to:
http://www.hobbithouseinc.com/personal/woodpics/mansonia.htm


I used to have some of this in my shop, until I cut the wood on the bandsaw and inhaled some of the dust. My respiratory system went into high alert... nose running, eyes watering, sneezing, etc.


Never used it again, BTW.


Bill


My books are for sale at: http://wwwoodcarver.com/Books/index.html
W.F. Judt,
46 Harvard Cres,
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan,
S7H3R1
PH: 306-373-6649
bjudt at sasktel.net
Website: http://www.wwwoodcarver.com




On 9-Jan-07, at 6:05 AM, Tom Clarke wrote:


  Larry,




       Walnut wood's toxicity isn't a myth. It's just specific to

  those who are allergic to it. Like horse's. You can't let walnut

  sawdust get near them as it'll kill them. It will also cause

  some people to have an allergic reaction but it does tend to be

  less violent than other nut woods.




  Tom (nj)  ;--)





--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


_______________________________________________
Woodcarver mailing list
Woodcarver at six.pairlist.net
http://six.pairlist.net/mailman/listinfo/woodcarver
-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: http://six.pairlist.net/pipermail/woodcarver/attachments/20070109/1b6c2dd9/attachment.htm