Black mold

[Brad_bb]

So Some live edge pieces that I've let air dry formed mold on the surface where bark was removed like this Mulberry.  When preparing this piece for use, I'd draw knife any loose cambium fiber left, and then rough it out with the belt sander, then the random orbit sander.  This piece has been dry for over a year.  Do I need to be concerned about the dust working with this?  I don't have allergies or anything.  Is this dangerous?  If so, what is the recommended course of action- just a dust mask?



 

[YellowHammer]

It's important to distinguish between toxicity and allergy.  The strain of mold at the center of many recent lawsuits is known as Stachybotrys atra (S.atra). This is not the mold which causes blue or black stain wood.Here's a link where I have been doing some investigating of mold and its identification, specifically what is commonly referred to as "lumberyard mold" which is harmless. 
https://forestryforum.com/board/index.php/topic,90970.msg1404738.html#msg1404738

[GeneWengert-WoodDoc]

Many of the "sick home" complaints are due to Stachybotrys chartarum, which is a fungus that has become notorious as a mycotoxin producer.  It loVes wet cellulose, and wood does indeed have cellulose and is wet at times.  Wet wallboard seems to be a highly preferred material, as paper has a very high cellulose content.

[GeneWengert-WoodDoc]

Wood dust, without molds, does indeed cause allergic reactions and even cancer in people.  Therefore, an effective dust mask is indeed a great suggestion and is actually required in some manufacturing situations.  The toxicity varies with species.  The very fine dust seems to be of most concern.

A good summary of many species is at
http://www.wood-database.com/wood-articles/wood-allergies-and-toxicity/

The OSHA (which is not a small town in Wisconsin) discussion and regulation is https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/wooddust/