Wood dust concentrations for three hardwood species and moisture contents

Wood dust monitoring surveys conducted by the Appalachian Hardwood Center and discussions with employees and employers indicate that different species of wood appear to generate more wood dust than others. The inherent differences between hardwood and softwood species represent one component of difference. In addition, according to wood product employees, some species of hardwoods appear to produce wood dust levels considerably higher than other species of hardwoods. In personal interviews, employees claim the denser woods (such as white oak) create much higher dust levels compared to the less dense hardwoods. It was not known whether these statements were factual or if employees were aware of some wood dust levels more than others due to irritating effects to the respiratory system. An airborne wood dust monitoring experiment was conducted under controlled conditions. The experiment was performed with a straight-line ripsaw using three different species of hardwood lumber (red oak, yellow- poplar, and black cherry). The purpose of the study was to determine if the species of wood and its moisture content affect airborne wood dust levels generated by the straight-line ripsaw. Each species of hardwood was conditioned prior to processing to the following moisture levels: 6 to 10 percent kiln-dried), 14 to 17 percent (air-dried), and wet/green (at or above the fiber saturation point). The study results support early findings in that the more dense and dry lumber generated more airborne wood dust during processing.

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