Cherry
Prunus serotina · Rosaceae · hardwood
Also known as: black cherry, American cherry, American black cherry, wild cherry, rum cherry
Region: Eastern North America; introduced and invasive in parts of Europe
Black cherry is a fine-grained North American hardwood that darkens from pinkish brown to a deep reddish brown with light exposure. It is a favorite for furniture, cabinetry, turning, and small boxes.
Health hazards
-
Cancer
Evidence: Applies to all wood dust
IARC classifies all wood dust as carcinogenic to humans, mainly linked to cancer of the nasal cavity and sinuses after long-term heavy exposure. This applies to every species, so dust control matters whatever you cut.1
- Effects
- nasal and sinus cancer
- Exposure route
- inhalation
- From
- dust
Not finding a hazard listed here does not mean this wood is safe. All wood dust is hazardous; see how to protect yourself.
Exposure limits
| Body | Limit | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| ACGIH TLV | 1 mg/m³ (inhalable) | 8-hour time-weighted average, as restated by OSHA source |
| EU binding limit (hardwood) | 2 mg/m³ | Applies to all hardwood dust |
| UK WEL (hardwood) | 3 mg/m³ | Applies to all hardwood dust |
| NIOSH REL | 1 mg/m³ | Recommended limit for all wood dust |
Cancer classifications
- ACGIH: A4 source
Sources
- IARC Working Group on the Evaluation of Carcinogenic Risks to Humans. Wood Dust and Formaldehyde. IARC Monographs on the Evaluation of Carcinogenic Risks to Humans, Vol. 62. Lyon: International Agency for Research on Cancer; 1995. Link
- US Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Occupational Chemical Database: Wood Dust. Last updated 06/23/2023. Link
Last reviewed .