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Sick from working yew?

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Aksel:
Hello, as I wrote in the "Yew Sapling bow" tread, I´ve recently cut 7 saplings (April). Peeled bark of green, split them and kept working on all these blanks simultaneously, so quite a bit of work over last couple months. I´ve never worked yew before but have heard about Taxol (and have researched this topic a bit now as well). So I have been aware it is potentially very dangerous but at the same time had this feeling "Nah I'm just making another bow, don´t over react, a little but of dust isn´t going to kill me, I´m working out of doors" etc...

I have during last couple of months also on and off had this wierd feeling I´m about to get sick which is unusual for me. Mild head aches, buzzing head, snot, tingly hands etc. Last two days I did work a few hours per day, chopping, shaving and scraping, BUT NO SANDING and now this strange feeling of about to get the flue is back and I start to suspect there IS a connection there so wanted to ask other bowyers experience, if this sounds familiar, and what precaution you take?

 

meanewood:
Even though you are not creating dust, you are exposing yourself to the toxins anyway.
If you can smell the wood while working on it, you are breathing in vapours from the wood.
Also, if you have no gloves on while working, especially if you are touching the fresh sap, then you are absorbing the toxins through your skin.

Hamish:
I would have thought it unlikely that yew being worked without saw or sanding dust being generated would cause issues, but then again some people are very sensitive.

Any type of sanding, or sawing from any wood, let alone yew I use a P2 rated mask. Regular nuisance masks are practically useless. I have been very sick from wood dust in the past, a hairs breadth away from being hospitalised and put on a respirator, so health and safety is no joke.

If you don't want to wear gloves, try barrier cream. Wash your hands thoroughly before eating and reapply afterwards if you're going to continue work.

George Tsoukalas:
Are you wearing a mask? There are various grades...even respirators

I always wear one when working with any wood...even when mowing the lawn. LOL.

Jawge

bownarra:
Be aware most masks are more or less a waste of time. Buy quality. Sata make a great mask with replaceable cartridges.
ipe isn't any good for me anymore.....around 500 elbs and it makes my nose tingle at the merest hint of dust.....osage starts me sneezing....I stay away from yew now despite yew elbs being very popular.
Sensitivities can get worse the more you work with any wood.

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