grasstree danger

[Helen Waldby]

Can anyone give me information on the carcinogenic dangers of the grasstree (xanthorrea or blackboy)? I have read an article but am unable to locate it. A friend in Canada has some grasstree and I would like to send him some information for his safety.
Helen Waldby

[John Saxton]

Hi Helen,I have heard some time back of a guy who turned these and only these for craft outlets.
He was from Albany W.A. and is now deceased apparently from cancer.
From what I have heard he did'nt wear any form of dust mask protection.
Most turners will tell you of the exceedingly fine dust product from these and that they should only be turned with the best protection affordable.
Like any very fine dust measuring in minute micron rating the chance of it being carcinogenic is more than probable.
Cheers

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Johnno

[soundman]

The most obvious thing about "Black boy" (xanthoriea) very recently renamed "grass tree" for the benefit of the politicalt squeamish.
( After a bush fire it looks like a black boy holding a spear)

The obvious
Is its resonous nature, any type of natural resin will usualy be a problem, but this stuff is very robust in that near fire proof.

regardless of any chemical nasties therein the body would have a real hard tome geting it out once it is in.

an other factor is that the resin makes the dust verrry fine & sharp.

I would recommend deep sea diving equipment for protection.

ps
I believe it turns to a fabulous finish. If it stays in one piece.
It may also be prone to shattering.

They grow here abouts I i have noticed that dead ones break into segments easily.

Diving suit and bomb disposal gear.


cheers.

P.S.
protected by federal law as a protected native plant.

[This message has been edited by soundman (edited 20 January 2003).]