Cedar wood, derived from species like Western Red Cedar and Eastern Red Cedar, is known for its distinctive aroma and natural resistance to decay and insects. It’s used in outdoor furniture, fencing, indoor chests, and musical instruments. Many wonder about cedar’s potential health impacts due to its strong scent and inherent properties.
Understanding Cedar’s Natural Properties
Cedar’s scent and insect-repelling qualities come from natural chemical compounds within the wood. Plicatic acid, especially abundant in Western Red Cedar, is a notable constituent. This acid, along with other volatile organic compounds like thujaplicins and various phenols, contributes to cedar’s biological activity and potential to cause reactions.
Beyond its chemical composition, cedar wood dust acts as a physical irritant. When cedar is cut, sanded, or processed, fine particles become airborne. Inhaling these microscopic dust particles can irritate respiratory passages.
How Cedar Can Affect Humans
Exposure to cedar wood, particularly its dust, can lead to human health reactions, primarily affecting the respiratory system and skin. Plicatic acid, found in Western Red Cedar, is a known cause of occupational asthma. Individuals working with cedar, such as sawmill workers or carpenters, may develop symptoms like coughing, wheezing, and chest tightness from inhaling the dust.
Allergic reactions to cedar are also possible, manifesting as allergic contact dermatitis upon skin exposure. This can result in redness, itching, and rashes. Sensitivity to cedar varies among individuals. While these reactions can be uncomfortable, they are typically irritant or allergic responses rather than acute systemic toxicity.
Cedar and Animal Health Concerns
Cedar wood, especially as bedding, presents health concerns for pets and small animals. Volatile organic compounds, including phenols and aromatic hydrocarbons, released from cedar shavings can pose risks. These compounds can cause respiratory problems, such as inflammation and allergic responses, in animals housed on cedar bedding. Research on laboratory animals indicates that exposure to cedar bedding can lead to changes in liver enzymes, suggesting increased liver activity.
Some studies show that small animals, such as rats and mice, housed on cedar shavings experienced elevated liver enzyme levels and increased mortality. The aromatic oils in cedar are particularly harmful to small pets. Many animal health professionals advise against using cedar as bedding for small animals like hamsters, guinea pigs, and reptiles due to these potential respiratory and liver concerns.
Minimizing Risks When Using Cedar
When working with cedar wood, implementing safety measures can significantly reduce potential health risks. Proper ventilation is important to minimize the inhalation of wood dust and volatile compounds. Using dust collection systems on woodworking machinery helps prevent airborne particles from spreading throughout the workspace. Wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) is also advised, including N95 or higher-rated respiratory masks to filter out fine dust particles.
Protective eyewear, such as safety glasses or full-face shields, can prevent dust from irritating the eyes. Gloves and long sleeves can help avoid skin contact with the wood dust and oils, reducing the risk of dermatitis. For pet owners, choosing alternative bedding materials like aspen shavings, paper-based pellets, or hay can eliminate exposure to cedar’s compounds. For most casual uses of finished cedar products, such as cedar chests or outdoor siding, the risk of adverse reactions is generally considered low due to limited exposure.