Should You Work With Wood if You Have Asthma?

Woodworking is a fulfilling profession, but it’s not for everyone. In particular, those prone to asthma aren’t exactly well-suited for woodworking as the particles that come from wood can trigger an asthmatic reaction. And while this may not be the case for everyone, it can be a serious roadblock to those serious about woodworking. Fortunately, it’s not an impossible task to overcome.

By using some neat tools and devices, you can minimize your exposure to wood particles, which will, in turn, minimize your risk of an asthmatic reaction. While it will require a little bit of extra work, the effort will be well worth it if you can continue woodworking.

IS WOODWORKING DANGEROUS IF YOU’RE ASTHMATIC?

The short answer is yes — working with wood can expose you to particles that can cause an asthmatic reaction. Some people can develop an allergic reaction to wooden particles which then results in asthma. Because of this, the general recommendation is to minimize contact with wood and wooden particles as much as possible. Of course, if you’re a woodworker, then that’s a lot easier said than done. Still, it’s important to keep this in mind as it will serve as your basis for what you’ll need to woodwork safely and efficiently.

TOOLS TO MAKE WOODWORKING SAFER

Mask

Masks are a surefire way to minimize contact with particles. There are many different kinds of masks, some more efficient at certain things than others. For woodworking, you’ll need a mask that can filter larger wooden particles. But if you can’t get your hands on those, then there’s no need to worry — any mask will do, even though not all of them will offer the same amount of protection. Anything helps, and simply having a layer of cloth over your mouth and nose will make all the difference.

If you have the money, you can invest in a reusable mask. These masks only require you to replace the filter of the mask rather than the mask itself, and once you get used to wearing them, they’re quite comfortable, too.

Air filtration system

An air filtration system may be helpful if you want to keep the air around you clean. You’ll need to keep it on at all times so that it will work, and you’ll need to replace the filters regularly, too, but they do help. By removing particles in the air, you’ll be inhaling cleaner and purer air, minimizing the risk of triggering an allergic reaction.

Shop vacs

Even after finishing your project, you’ll be left with particles all over your workspace, especially the floor. And while you won’t breathe them in now, once you move around, those particles will once again shoot up into the air, waiting to be inhaled. To get rid of them before they become a problem again, you can clean them up with a vacuum. But not just any vacuum cleaner — consider using a shop vac. Shop vacs are more powerful vacuum cleaners that can suck up larger debris such as wood shavings and sawdust. This lets you get rid of any small particles in the shed that you hadn’t inhaled yet.