Cocobolo health issues.

[Buemaker]

Have anyone experienced health issues working with Coco. I am about to dig into a piece for the first time. Bue--.

[JamesV]

I try not to breath the dust from any wood. I get a slight itch from IPE on my clothes.

[Roy from Pa]

Never used coco, but IPE really did a number on me! Wear protection on hands and face is my suggestion.

[wood carver 2]

All sawdust is bad for your health. The dust from tropical woods is the worst. sometimes it seems like it isn't doing anything to you, but you can become sensitized and develop an allergy. Slivers of some woods can cause reactions as well. Dust collectors, air filters and common sense are all that are needed to keep things fun.
Dave.

[garfish]

I made a bow with a cocobola riser a couple of
years ago, and took it to the range before I put
any kind of finish on it. I shot it several times
over the next few weeks and noticed my left hand
would break out in a rash that turned into clear
blisters about 24 hours after shooting that bow.

I sealed the riser with a single coat of shellac
and had not more problem with it.  I still shoot
that bow, but I limit my contact with cocobolo.

[Crooked Stic]

All the rosewoods are very toxic. Dont breath it and keep the dust off your skin.

[mmgrode]

Haven't had any problems with cocobolo yet.  However, I used to use wenge a good deal.  Had been using it for power lams and riser lams for about a month when one day, wham!, got sensitized.  All my exposed skin developed a rash/dermatitis.  Needless to say I immediately got rid of all the wenge I had.  Breathing the dust of any wood is bad, but especially the exotics.  I'm very much hoping I don't become sensitized to further woods...really like the look of many of the exotics!