Timbersil non-toxic pressure-treated lumber

[Dhakala]

One of Popular Science's 100 Cool Things of 2005...

employs sodium silicate, a mixture of sand and soda ash used since the 1800s in detergents and as an egg preservative. Lumber soaks in it under pressure, then bakes until an insoluble matrix of amorphous glass hardens throughout the wood. No amount of rain or wear will remove it-bugs can look, but they can't touch. $4.50 per 8-foot 2x4

[areyoukidding]

Did they happen to mention how one cuts this "glass filled" lumber and the nature of the dust?

[KENDALL SEYBERT]

Best guess without an MSDS - silica dust and wood dust. Long-term exposure to silica dust = silicosis.

[bridgman]

TimberSIL's MSDS can be downloaded at

is the related section:

HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION Emergency Overview: Clear amorphous solid matrix; inert and non-irritating, present throughout wood. (Although this information is presented for TimberSil? converted glass matrix, the primary material present in an emergency situation is wood; standard precautions related to wood should also be followed.)

Eye contact: If present as dust, wear safety glasses, otherwise N/A. Skin contact: Non-irritant Inhalation: A suitable respiratory protective device is recommended for high levels of dust, if present, see Section 8, otherwise N/A. Ingestion: N/A. Chronic hazards: No known chronic hazards. Physical hazards: No known physical hazards. NFPA and HMIS ratings (scale 0-4): Health = 1; Fire = 0, Reactivity =

0

1. FIRST AID MEASURES: Product is infused into wood, and is innocuous. Follow precautions for wood dust, if present.

After Inhalation: If present as dust and quantities inhaled in excess of section 8, supply fresh air; provide medical attention in case of complaints. Otherwise, N/A. After Eye: If present as dust, flush eyes with plenty of water to remove any solid particles. Otherwise, N/A. After Skin: If present as dust, if desired, brush off or wash off skin. Otherwise, N/A. After Ingestion: N/A