Dust Almanac

Larch

Larix spp. · Pinaceae · softwood

Also known as: European larch, Siberian larch, tamarack, western larch, hackmatack

Region: Cool temperate and boreal forests of Europe, Asia and North America

Planed board of larch with reddish-brown heartwood, a pale sapwood edge and strongly contrasting growth rings.

Larch is one of the hardest and most durable softwoods, used for cladding, fencing, decking, boat planking, stairs and flooring. European larch, Siberian larch, western larch and tamarack are the main species in trade.

Health hazards

  • Skin irritation

    Evidence: Listed by an agency

    The UK HSE lists nettle rash and dermatitis from larch, and notes the cause may be lichens growing on the bark rather than the wood itself.1

    Effects
    dermatitis, urticaria (nettle rash)
    Exposure route
    skin
    From
    dust, bark

  • Asthma / respiratory allergy

    Evidence: Reported

    A German carpenter with confirmed softwood allergy had IgE antibodies to larch as well as spruce and pine, but spruce was the main trigger. A larch-specific respiratory allergy has not been confirmed.2

    Effects
    IgE sensitization, occupational asthma (softwood)
    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.3

    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

Cross-sensitization with spruce and pine was seen in the one documented softwood allergy case.

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 Withdrawn from hse.gov.uk (404 since c. Jan 2020); archived copy cited.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. Kespohl S, Kotschy-Lang N, Tomm JM, von Bergen M, Maryska S, Brüning T, et al. Occupational IgE-mediated softwood allergy: characterization of the causative allergen. Int Arch Allergy Immunol. 2012;157(2):202-8. Link
  3. 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
  4. US Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Occupational Chemical Database: Wood Dust. Last updated 06/23/2023. Link

Last reviewed .