Western hemlock
Tsuga heterophylla · Pinaceae · softwood
Also known as: hemlock, hem-fir, Pacific hemlock, west coast hemlock
Region: Pacific Northwest of North America, from Alaska to northern California
Western hemlock is a pale, even-textured softwood used for framing (often sold as hem-fir), joinery, mouldings, doors and plywood. It is unrelated to the poisonous hemlock plant (Conium).
Health hazards
-
Respiratory irritation
Evidence: Listed by an agency
The UK HSE lists western hemlock dust as a cause of nose irritation (rhinitis) and effects on the airways. No primary study was found that confirms an allergy.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
| Body | Limit | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| ACGIH TLV | 1 mg/m³ (inhalable) | source |
| UK WEL (softwood) | 5 mg/m³ | Applies to all softwood dust |
| NIOSH REL | 1 mg/m³ | Recommended limit for all wood dust |
Cancer classifications
- ACGIH: A4 source
Sources
- 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 Withdrawn from hse.gov.uk (404 since c. Jan 2020); archived copy cited.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
- 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 .