Dust Almanac

Douglas fir

Pseudotsuga menziesii · Pinaceae · softwood

Also known as: Douglas-fir, Oregon pine, Columbian pine, DF

Region: Western North America; widely planted in Europe and New Zealand

Planed board of Douglas fir with orange-brown heartwood and bold, contrasting growth-ring arches.

Douglas fir is a strong, stiff softwood used for structural beams, framing, flooring, joinery and plywood. Its orange-brown heartwood and bold growth rings make it popular for timber framing and furniture too.

Health hazards

  • Skin irritation

    Evidence: Listed by an agency

    The UK HSE lists Douglas fir as a cause of dermatitis. It does not say whether this is irritation or allergy, and we found no primary case reports.1

    Effects
    dermatitis
    Exposure route
    skin
    From
    dust

  • Splinter infection

    Evidence: Listed by an agency

    The UK HSE notes that Douglas fir splinters can become infected (go septic). Remove splinters promptly and clean the wound.1

    Effects
    septic splinters
    Exposure route
    splinter
    From
    heartwood

  • Respiratory irritation

    Evidence: Listed by an agency

    The UK HSE lists runny or blocked nose and effects on the airways from Douglas fir dust. No primary study confirming an allergy was found.1

    Effects
    rhinitis, bronchial effects
    Exposure route
    inhalation
    From
    dust

  • Cancer

    Evidence: Applies to all wood dust

    All wood dust is classified as carcinogenic to humans, mainly linked to cancers of the nose and sinuses. This applies to this wood like every other species.2

    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

Workplace exposure limits (8-hour average, mg/m³)
BodyLimitNotes
ACGIH TLV1 mg/m³ (inhalable) source
UK WEL (softwood)5 mg/m³Applies to all softwood dust
NIOSH REL1 mg/m³Recommended limit for all wood dust

Compare limits across agencies.

Cancer classifications

Sources

  1. Health and Safety Executive. Toxic woods. Woodworking Information Sheet No 30 (Revision 1), WIS30(rev1). HSE; first published 11/2012. Withdrawn from hse.gov.uk (404 since c. Jan 2020); archived copy cited. Link
  2. 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
  3. US Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Occupational Chemical Database: Wood Dust. Last updated 06/23/2023. Link

Last reviewed .