I inherited a bunch of my tools from an woodworker who had developed a severe lung condition due in part to sawdust. I've had lung problems my whole life so have been mindful of this via dust collection and masks. However after learning about different woods I'm realizing some are more dangerous than others. Exotic woods in particular can cause severe allergic reactions, but even common woodworking woods like black walnut produce shavings that will kill plants if you mulch it into your garden. Cedar has a number of great anti-microbal and anti-insect properties, but do those very properties carry allergy risks for people, too? Pressure treated lumber is bad due to the chemicals injected into them.

Given adequate dust collection and so on, which commonly woodworked woods are most allergy-safe? Which are the worst?

I inherited a bunch of my tools from an woodworker who had developed a severe lung condition due in part to sawdust. I've had lung problems my whole life so have been mindful of this via dust collection and masks.

However, after learning about different woods I'm realizing some are more dangerous than others. Exotic woods in particular can cause severe allergic reactions, but even common woodworking woods like black walnut produce shavings that will kill plants if you mulch it into your garden. Cedar has a number of great anti-microbial and anti-insect properties, but do those very properties carry allergy risks for people, too? Pressure-treated lumber is bad due to the chemicals injected into them.

Given adequate dust collection and so on, which commonly woodworked woods are most allergy-safe? Which are the worst?