On December 18, 2009, wood dust was added to California's Proposition 65 list as a substance known to the State of California to cause cancer. Wood products will expose individuals to wood dust when they are drilled, sawed, sanded, machined, or otherwise handled in a manner that will produce wood dust.

Warning signs are required at retail locations where wood products are sold. Download a sample Warning Sign.

Retailers can order signs from the Lumber Association of California and Nevada

As a result, wood product manufacturers, sellers and marketers are providing a clear and reasonable warning to consumers about the potential hazard of wood dust prior to purchasing their wood products. These manufacturers, sellers and marketers are informing their distributors, including wholesalers and retailers, of their duty to provide the warnings to consumer. 

Per the requirements of Proposition 65, any purchasers of wood products should be aware of the following: 

WARNING: Drilling, sawing, sanding or machining wood products generates wood dust, a substance known to the State of California to cause cancer. Avoid inhaling wood dust or use a dust mask or other safeguards for personal protection. 

This warning also may be shown in Tolko’s invoices, Material Safety Data Sheets or other documentation related to the sale of wood products.

Tolko is working with the Western Wood Producers Association (WWPA) who has prepared materials for wood products manufacturers to inform wholesalers and retailers on wood dust, as required by the California regulations. A Wood Dust Notification Packet is available for purchase in the WWPA's Online Store.

For more information about Proposition 65, go to the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment.