"Getting an idea should be like sitting down on a pin; it should make you jump up and do something."

                     E.L. Simpson

Green Achievement!

West Wind Hardwood is now FSC Chain of Custody and SmartWood Rediscovered certified.

	1. Forest Stewardship Council (FSC): is an international network to promote responsible management of the world’s forests.
	2. SmartWood Rediscovered: The intent of this program is to acknowledge, assess and certify good practices for the recovery, recycling and reuse of wood products.
	Visit our green pages for more information
	More about Green Initiatives More about Certified Products

Dominic Loiacono came to us through the University Of Victoria Business Co-op Program in January 2005.  He has since graduated with degrees in Commerce as well as a degree in Arts (Italian Studies).  Although he continues to offer his expertise to West Wind Hardwood, he has decided to continue his education by completing an MBA program at University Canada West.  Although Dominic is a man of many talents, time management must be his forte; studies; work and of course, his numerous jaunts to Europe. 

CAUTION WOOD DUST!!!

MAY BE HAZARDOUS TO YOUR HEALTH 

Sawing, sanding or machining wood products can produce wood dust, which can cause a flammable or explosive hazard. 

Wood dust may cause lung, upper respiratory tract, and eye/skin irritation.  Some wood species may cause dermatitis and/or respiratory allergic effects.  The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) has classified wood dust as a nasal carcinogen in humans.  

Check out Link1 and Link2 

Ø     avoid dust contact with ignition source

Ø     sweep or vacuum dust for recovery or disposal

Ø     avoid prolonged or repeated breathing of wood dust in air

Ø     avoid dust contact with eyes and skin

It has been suggested that an unseen foe caused the death of seven soldiers during the Napoleonic Wars in 1809.  Dying, not by sword or musket ball, it is suggested that the soldiers died from eating meat that had been spitted on twigs of oleander.  Oleander (Nerium oleander) contains a deadly, soluble poison.  The moral of this story:  Know Thy Wood. 

Exposure through external skin contact or inhalation or ingestion can affect us in any manner of ways either as an irritant or a sensitizer.  Long-term exposure to potentially toxic species can increase your chances of a reaction.  Allergic reactions are sometimes severe.  Occasionally, reactions are fatal. 

Take care when selecting your species for kitchen utensils and toys.  Ironically, fine wines, whiskies and sherries attain their desirable flavours from wood barrels.  However, some woods impart an unwanted flavour or can ooze when subjected to heat.  When selecting your wood for toys, remember that infants and toddlers like to chew.  Even small doses of some toxins can be lethal.  Stick with wood species traditionally used, such as, maple.  It is fine-textured, doesn't harbour dirt and the sugars are edible.  Birth, white pine, poplar and basswood are also acceptable.  Avoid walnut as it contains a natural laxative and sedative.  Clearly do not use oleander. 

Often it is the most attractive, vividly coloured and fragrant timbers that cause problems. But it is not only exotic, tropical species that are a concern.  Some commonly known local species are known to be troublesome such as Western red cedar and Douglas fir.  Research is far from conclusive and in constant advancement. 

But don't panic.  Simple precautions can reduce health risks, and minimize your exposure.  And so the best defense is to wear a dust mask or full-face biologic filtering respirator and use a good dust extraction system; it doesn't hurt to have a fan blowing the dust away from your work area also.  Protect your skin with gloves/protective clothing and/or protective creams.  Remove splinters and slivers immediately and disinfect.  If you notice any respiratory or skin problems, check with your doctor.  You may want to arrange for allergy tests.