When it comes to potential exposure to COVID-19, Saff says getting tested is the only way to really know. Some information may be out of date. Some symptoms of wildfire smoke exposure and COVID-19 can be the same, including dry cough, sore throat, and difficulty breathing. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. I have amassed over 500 wood species on a single poster, arranged into eight major geographic regions, with each wood sorted and ranked according to its Janka hardness. It simply means that adverse reactions have not been reported as of yet. A common question: is this wood safe to use as a plate/bowl/cutting board/etc.? When it’s hard to tell the difference from a viral infection and seasonal allergies, Sindher looks at a person’s history with allergies to help determine the cause of their symptoms. Nasopharyngeal carcinoma, or sometimes called nasopharyngeal cancer. Consider this: the venerable Red Oak (Quercus rubra) sits at only #33 in North America and #278 worldwide for hardness! This chart simply lists specific woods that can aggravate symptoms through allergic reactions, or woods that are outright toxic in and of themselves. Aspiring wood nerds be advised: your syllabus may be calling for Worldwide Woods as part of your next assignment! If you ever have an allergic reaction to any wood that has been identified as a sensitizer, use extreme caution in handling or using that species (and related species) in future instances. One treatment, RAGWITEK, is specific to ragweed allergies, he adds. “Not to omit any one of them, the yew is similar to these other trees in general appearance . With a viral infection you may not feel well, may have a fever or vomiting or diarrhea, and we don’t see those with seasonal allergies,” she said. The poster, Worldwide Woods, Ranked by Hardness, should be required reading for anyone enrolled in the school of wood nerdery. The CDC warns that exposure to air pollutants in wildfire smoke can cause inflammation, alter immune function, and increase susceptibility to respiratory infections, likely including COVID-19. When viewing the chart, please keep the follow in mind: Just because any given wood is not listed on the chart, does not mean that it is completely safe to use. From conspiracy theories to well-intentioned yet inaccurate advice, doctors are facing additional challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic from the…, Stressful moments in our lives can change the way we perceive the passage of time, but there are ways you can help your mind feel like it's back on…. (Cocobolo is notorious in this regard.). “The number we look at is the AQI index. All inhaled wood dust is hazardous to your long-term health. “The combination of a prescription nasal antihistamine coupled with an [over-the-counter] nasal steroid is very effective. “It is a form of oral immunotherapy. With more than allergens circulating around this fall, it can be difficult to tell what’s causing the symptoms you may experience, like sore throat, runny nose, and headache. Same for cloth masks being used to slow the spread of COVID-19. However, treatment for spring and fall allergies are similar, and include avoiding triggers as much as possible. Despite the very long list of woods below, very few woods are actually toxic in and of themselves. Self-quarantine can be challenging, but coping with it isn’t impossible. . Wood consists of cellulose (cotton), hemicellulose and lignin (the glue and stiffener that holds the wood together). [Air pollutants] can go inside your lungs, and with the passage of air exchange, get inside your bloodstream and can induce an immune response to your body. Some experts believe seasonal affective disorder (SAD) may be more prominent this year due to the stresses of COVID-19. During spring months (February through August), tree and grass pollination are main triggers. Many times, a wood in a particular genus will share similar allergic compounds with other related woods, resulting in cross-reactions.) (This particular health issue—and the unhealthy buildup of such dusts in small woodworking or hobbyist shops—has been dealt with at length on Bill Pentz’ website.). During the fall months (August through November), triggers include weeds and outdoor molds, with ragweed being the most common. One way she suggests determining whether you’re experiencing more than allergies is to take an antihistamine. “We will get reports from people, including myself, who might not be outside for very long and just walking from the car to the building, and notice a headache,” Sindher said. Identifying and Using Hundreds of Woods Worldwide, POSTER: Worldwide Woods: Ranked by Hardness, irritant, nausea, giddiness, and vomiting, irritant, nervous system effects, asthma, splinters go septic, irritant, nausea, pink eye, giddiness, nose bleeds, irritant, nose bleeds, internal bleeding, asthma, irritant, excessive thirst, salivation, nausea, cross reactions possible once sensitivity to other woods have developed, irritant, sensitizer, asthma, nausea, headache, irritant, headache, nausea, swelling skin, blisters. irritant, nausea, giddiness, and vomiting. “If they’re allergic, there will be some benefit, but if it’s a viral infection, you won’t see any,” Sindher said. To make sense of it all, here’s a breakdown of the differences between each and what you can do about it. Could these symptoms be signs of COVID-19, irritation from wildfire smoke, or simply fall allergies? Dr. Kasey Strothman, pediatric allergist and immunologist at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, says during the fall months, other environmental factors can worsen symptoms. The CDC’s Respirator Fact Sheet provides more detail about respirator masks. irritant, sensitizer, rash, nausea, asthma, vision effects, pink eye, irritant, sensitizer, splinters go septic, nervous system effects, abdominal cramps. Then it’s too late,” Sindher said. Wood burning fireplaces are the only slight cause for concern, and this has nothing to do with the fireplace itself.