CA Prop 65

Proposition 65 Warnings www.P65Warnings.ca.gov

Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment

Updated May 2019

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 in significant amounts 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?

 Cutting, shaping and sanding 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. Under dry

conditions, small amounts of wood dust can be released into the air from

handling materials such as wood chip mulch and compost that contains wood

dust. Regular exposure to significant amounts of wood dust are of concern.

Airborne wood dust

People breathe in air that

contains wood dust

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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 in significant amounts 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 often work 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  Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS)  Wood Dust https://ntp.niehs.nih.gov/ntp/roc/content/profiles/wooddust.pdf  International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC)  Wood Dust (2012) http://monographs.iarc.fr/ENG/Monographs/vol100C/mono100C-15.pdf Proposition 65  California Environmental Protection Agency (CalEPA) Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA)  Proposition 65: Background https://www.