WoodCentral Forums

Est. 1998 — 27 years of woodworking knowledge

Developing Immunity to Cocobolo?

Posts

Developing Immunity to Cocobolo?

#1

Developing Immunity to Cocobolo?

Doug Evans

>This is kind of a weird post but, it is something I have not seen covered.

About a year or so ago, I developed a bad reaction to cocobolo dust. My understanding of the problem is that it is the physical dust in contact with the skin that causes the biggest problem.

No wonder... At the time, I was sledding 4" X 4" sections through the planer for hours and then bandsawing blanks for CNC processing.

How bad a reaction? On two occasions, it almost closed my eyes for a day and a half with hives and a very red burning rash. I thought I was done and I bought one of those fully enclosed power face shields (good stuff BTW).

It was also my understanding at the time that cocobolo is a synthesizer and reactions tend to get worse.

In the past six months though, I have gradually gained considerable tolerance to it, and the materials are from the same lot.

Not that I am advocating that we let our gaurd down but, have any others gained tolerance?

Regards,

Doug

Re: Developing Immunity to Cocobolo?

#2

Re: Developing Immunity to Cocobolo?

Steve Knight

>It has never bothered me. though brazilian rosewood does.

but You can get all of the dust if you work on a good dc setup. you have to have a cyclone good cartridge filters and a well thought out pipe system. it makes a huge difference and is far easeir then using naything over your face.

Re: Developing Immunity to Cocobolo?

#3

Re: Developing Immunity to Cocobolo?

Doug Evans

>Hi Steve:

The interesting thing is that my condition is kind of an oddball case (Ben's going to have a hay-day with this...). As a synthesizer, my reactions should be getting worse but it seems to be getting better.

I know of people who have had to leave ww altogether because of this reaction. I litterally got some dust in my eye today with no major results. Six months ago, it would have put me in the hospital (Ben's probably laughin' thinkin' I need to be commited now).

Brazilian doesnt seem to bother me either but who knows, maybe it would have six months ago.

Anyone else have the situation improve?

Regards,

Doug

Re: Developing Immunity to Cocobolo?

#4

Re: Developing Immunity to Cocobolo?

Steve Knight

>but don't take a chance. it does not cost too much to make a good dc. take more problem solving of getting the dust from tools then anything else.

Padouk is one of the worst about putting fine dust in the air. It hink bloodwood is king though.

you never know it could come back again.

Re: Developing Immunity to Cocobolo?

#5

Re: Developing Immunity to Cocobolo?

Don Thompson, Cutler Ridge, South of Miami FL

>Could it be due to a different antigen from a changing supply of cocobolo? A different sub-species? That must have been pretty distressing when your eyes swelled up!

BTW, I think the term is "sensitizer."

Re: Developing Immunity to Cocobolo?

#6

Has your sensitivity to rosewood changed?

Thom Trail, Powder Springs, GA

>

👍 This page answered my questions

Your vote helps other woodworkers quickly find the answers and techniques that actually work in the shop.