Walnut

[GeorgeK]

I have someone who wants me to saw walnut all day long. Any health issues to worry about and precautions to take?
Using Woodmizer LT 40 and twin blade edger. Thanks!( I know horses do not like it so wondered about humans)

[Jay C. White Cloud]

Hey George,

Quick answer, yes and yes.  ;)  Some folks are highly reactive to black walnut.  Also note that if there is any children or people with known nut allergies, they must be extra careful.  Respiratory onset anaphylaxis has occurred when milling Walnut and some rather severe dermal psoriasis can take place as well, from both immediate and prolong exposure to the dust

Proper respirators and protective clothing is the primary precaution, depending on your individual sensitivities.  Some of use don't even get poison ivy, so you have to find out what your sensitivity to it is going to be.

Regards,  jay

[Ianab]

The problem for horses is that Walnut can cause Laminitis, which affects the bond between the bone and the hoof. Obviously this is a bad thing in a horse, if you expect it to be able to walk....

Luckily we don't have hooves, so you wont get Laminitis. But like Jay C says, some people can have an allergic reaction to the same chemicals that affect the horses. In that case, respirator mask and overalls to keep the sawdust off you.

But most people can roll around in the sawdust and not suffer an effects.

Ian

[Gary_C]

But most people can roll around in the sawdust and not suffer an effects.

I'm not so sure about that. I would say if you have that much direct contact, most people will have some type of reaction like dermatitus, runny nose, and possibly asthma.

And if you have constant exposure to the sawdust, your chances of having a reaction will be quite high. Perhaps almost certain even with protective gear. 

[ohsoloco]

My dog is sensitive to walnut sawdust.  The first time I sawed it with her around she was playing in the fresh sawdust from the sawmill (one of her favorite things to do).  I think she even took a lick for some reason.  A little later she was acting quite ill, and walked very tenderly for a few days.

The dust from the mill doesn't seem to bother me, but working with it in the shop I tend to get sores inside my nose  :(

[Magicman]

Yes, take precaution to prevent breathing the sawdust.  Personally, I wear a dust mask when sawing everything.  It is just part of my safety gear.

[SLawyer Dave]

A good friend of my father's had to quit cabinet making because of scar tissue that developed in his lungs.  The doctors pretty much said that enough exposure to almost any airborne particles can and will cause lung damage, (with the smaller the particle the more damage is done).  I never wear a mask when I am cutting with my chainsaws, (with a sharp chain you should not have powder), but when sanding or otherwise exposed to any kind of sustained airborne particles/dust, I wear one, and certainly would recommend others to do so.

[GeorgeK]

Thanks everyone. We will take soem precautions starting a job cutting Walnut in the morning.

[Slab Slicer]

Yes, take precaution to prevent breathing the sawdust.  Personally, I wear a dust mask when sawing everything.  It is just part of my safety gear.

Ditto here MM. Dust from a dead oak going through a chipper put me in the hospital a few years back. My epiglotis (the flap that seals your lungs when you swallow) became severely inflammed, and when I swallowed, it would not seal, and in turn, would go into my lungs, as well as my stomach. IV steroids, and antibiotics for a couple of days, and I was better. The docs didn't really know why it happened though. I've had issues since then, so a dust mask is part of my safety gear as well.

[GeorgeK]

A semi load of Walnut trees arrived today we shall see how long it takes to cut them. They have some odd requirements.

[learner]

A semi load of Walnut trees arrived today we shall see how long it takes to cut them. They have some odd requirements.

May I ask what you mean by Odd requirements George?  You have me curious!  ;D