Tung Oil Tree

[Paul M. Kaplowitz]

Here in historic Charleston,SC , we have many trees from all over the world. I have had Chinaberry, Chinese Tallow, Ailanthus, Ginko, Mimosa and now Tung Oil Tree. Here's my question. My research shows that the nuts are highly toxic. When the Tung Oil is extracted, however, it is no longer toxic. Is the wood toxic? Can it be used for food safe bowls? My extension service has no idea. Anyone know?

 

[Owen Lowe]

From what I understand, all woods can be considered toxic depending upon an individual’s sensitivity to the compounds specific to that wood. Here are a few links explaining and listing the more common reactions to mainstream woods:

http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/wis30.pdf

http://www.wood-database.com/wood-articles/wood-allergies-and-toxicity/

http://www.cs.rochester.edu/u/roche/rec.wood.misc/wood.toxic (note the source on this one — American Woodturner, June ’90)

If this doesn’t do it for you, do a Google on “toxic woods”.

 

[Mark Mandell]

Doesn't sound very healthy or suitable for treenware . . .

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tung_tree