Wood Pellet Dust & Allergies

Wood pellets are made from sawdust, a common trigger for allergy sufferers. Whether used to fuel a wood pellet-burning stove or as animal bedding, wood pellets can aggravate allergy symptoms if the sawdust particles become airborne during handling.

Sawdust: The Main Ingredient

• Wood pellets are formed from sawdust compacted and extruded in the form of 1/4-inch diameter pellets. No glue is used to bind the wood; the pressure and heat in the manufacturing process activates chemicals in the wood, binding the particles. Sawdust from sawmills and other wood-based industries is used to form the product, and the pellets are commonly sold in 40-pound bags. The pellets create little dust on their own but when disturbed repeatedly over time---such as when moving and transporting the bags---a significant amount of dust can escape when the product is used.

Out of the Bag

• When pellets are fed into a wood pellet-burning stove, or dispersed as animal bedding, the loose wood particles in the bag can become airborne, irritating airways or exposed skin in sensitive individuals. Wood pellet stoves must be fueled daily, exposing the user to dust created by the action of loading approximately 60 pounds of wood pellets into the hopper of the stove. If used as animal bedding, wood pellets also are encountered daily while cleaning animal pens, opening bags of wood pellets and spreading them on the ground.

Causes and Symptoms of Wood Dust Allergy

• Many types of wood dust can cause allergic reactions but Western red cedar is most commonly associated with respiratory tract problems, according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Allergies are caused both by the naturally occurring chemicals found in wood, and by biological contaminants that grow on the wood. Runny nose, sneezing, congestion and nasal itching and irritation are among common wood dust allergy symptoms.

  Contact with the wood dust itself also can cause skin irritation, including redness and itching.

  In some individuals, asthma can develop from wood dust exposure. Symptoms include coughing (especially at night), wheezing, a sensation of tightness or pain in the chest and shortness of breath.

  Fungi and bacteria present in sawdust also have been linked to chronic bronchitis in susceptible individuals. Symptoms are similar to asthma accompanied by a productive cough, fatigue and a slight fever.

Reducing Allergy Symptoms

• Wood pellet users affected by the dust can take steps to protect themselves from exposure. Wearing a dust mask during handling will result in inhaling fewer particles, and wearing protective clothing will reduce exposure to skin. Air cleaners that reduce dust and allergens also can be used in areas where pellets are stored and used. Over-the-counter antihistamines also can be effective in helping to alleviate symptoms.

Other Causes of Allergy Symptoms

• Smoke and ash particles from wood pellet-burning stoves also can aggravate allergies and cause asthma flare-ups. With well-insulated rooms and constantly recirculating air from heating devices, the act of keeping a home warm during winter can result in poor indoor air quality. Users also are exposed to soot and ash particles while maintaining and cleaning their wood pellet-burning stoves, a weekly chore during winter.