Flash Point Not applicable
Autoignition Temperature Variable (typically 400-500o F)
Explosive Limits in Air 40 grams per cubic meter (LEL)
Extinguishing Media Water, Sand, CO2
Special Fire Fighting Procedures Use water to wet down wood dust to reduce the likelihood of ignition or dispersion of dust into the air. Remove burned or wet dust to open area after fire is extinguished.

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Exposure Limit ACGIH TLV (R): TWA-5.0 mg/m3; STEL 915 min)-10.0
1) See important footnote below OSHA PEL: TWA-15.0 mg/m3 (total dust); concerning OSHA PELs for wood dust 5.0 mg/m3 (respirable fraction)
Skin and Eye contact Wood dust can cause eye irritation. Various species of wood dust can elicit allergic contact dermatitis in sensitized individuals.
Ingestion Not applicable
Skin Absorption Not known to occur.
Inhalation May cause nasal dryness, irritation and obstruction.

Chronic Effects Coughing, wheezing and sneezing; sinusitis and prolonged colds have also been reported. Wood dust, depending on species, may cause dermatitis on prolonged, repetitive contact; may cause respiratory sensitization and/or irritation. IARC classifies wood dust as a carcinogen to humans (group 1). This classification is based primarily on IARC’s evaluation of increased risk in the occurrence of adenocarcinomas of the nasal cavities and paranasal sinuses associated with exposure to wood dust. IARC did not find sufficient evidence to associate cancers of the oropharynx, hypopharynx, lung, lymphatic and hematopoietic systems, stomach, colon or rectum with exposure to wood dust.

1) In AFL-CIO v OSHA 965 F. 2d 962 (11th Cir.1992), the court overturned OSHA’s 1989 Air Contaminants Rule, including the specific PEL’s for wood dust that OSHA had established at the time. The 1989 PELS were: TWA-5.0 mg/m3; STEL (15 min)-10.0 mg/m3 (all soft and hardwoods, except Western red cedar): Western Red Cedar: TWA-2.5 mg/m3.

Wood dust is now officially regulated as an organic dust under the Particulates Not Otherwise Regulate(PNOR) or Inert or Nuisance Dust categories at PEL’s noted under Health Effects Information section of this MSDS. However, a number of states have incorporated provisions of the 1989 standard in their state plans. Additionally, OSHA has announced that it may cite companies under the OSH Act general duty clause under appropriate circumstances for non-compliance with the 1989 PEL’s.

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Conditions Contributing to Instability Stable under normal conditions
Incompatibility Avoid contact with oxidizing agents and drying
oils. Avoid open flame. Product may ignite at temperatures in excess of 400o F.
Hazardous Decomposition Products Thermal oxidative degradation of wood produces irritating and toxic fumes and gases, including CO, aldehydes and organic acids.
Conditions Contributing to Polymerization. Not Applicable

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Avoid eye contact.
Avoid repeated or prolonged contact with skin. Careful bathing and clean cloths are indicated after exposure.
Avoid prolonged or repeated breathing of wood dust in the air.
Avoid contact with oxidizing agents and drying oils.
Avoid open flame.

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Ventilation: Provide adequate general and local exhaust ventilation to maintain healthful working conditions.
Wear goggles or safety glasses. Other protective equipment such as gloves and approved dust respirators may be needed depending upon dust conditions.

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Eyes Flush with water to remove dust particles, If irritation persists, get medical attention.
Skin If a rash or persistent irritation or dermatitis occur, get medical advice where applicable before returning to work where wood dust is present.
Inhalation Remove to fresh air. If persistent irritation, severe coughing, or Breathing difficulties occur, get medical advice before returning to work where wood dust is present.
Ingestion Not applicable.

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Sweep or vacuum spills for recovery or disposal; avoid creating dust conditions. Provide good ventilation where dust conditions may occur. Place recovered wood dust in a container for proper disposal.

The information that is presented in this MSDS is believed to be accurate and has been compiled from sources believed to be reliable. It is offered for your consideration, investigation and verification. P.J. Murphy Forest Products and American Forest and Paper Association makes no warranty of any kind, express or implied, concerning the accuracy or completeness of the information and data herein. P.J. Murphy Forest Products and American Forest and Paper Association will not be liable for claims relating to any party’s use of or reliance on information and data contained herein.

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