Wood dust becomes a potential health problem when wood particles from processes such as sanding and cutting become airborne. Breathing of these particles may cause allergic respiratory effects, mucosal and nonallergic respiratory effects, and cancer. The extent of these hazards and the associated wood types have not been clearly established.

According to the US Department of Labour ... Exposure to wood dust has long been associated with a variety of adverse health effects, including dermatitis, allergic respiratory effects, mucosal and nonallergic respiratory effects, and cancer. Contact with the irritant compounds in wood sap can cause dermatitis and other allergic reactions. The respiratory effects of wood dust exposure include asthma, hypersensitivity pneumonitis, and chronic bronchitis.