This is also referred to as allergic contact dermatitis and results in similar skin effects to those produced by skin irritants. Once sensitised, the body sets up an allergic reaction, and the skin may react severely if subsequently exposed to very small amounts of the wood dust. The most common effects arise from irritation , where symptoms usually only persist as long as the sufferer remains in contact with the irritant. Allergic effects, as a consequence of sensitisation to wood dust can also occur, eg rhinitis. Asthma is of particular concern.
Some wood dusts can cause asthma as a specific allergic reaction.
Once sensitised, the body will quickly react if subsequently exposed, even to tiny traces of dust. Unlike irritation, where people can continue to work with the dust once it is controlled to below the level at which irritation occurs, people who become sensitised will not normally be able to continue working with the dust, no matter how low the exposure. Many effects have been described including headache, thirst, nausea, visual disturbance, drowsiness, anaemia and hepatitis. Splinter wounds Splinter wounds from a number of woods are slow to heal and often turn septic, eg greenheart, mansonia. This is partly due to the species involved and partly due to secondary infections, from bacteria and fungi entering through the skin.