Post #285278 by Surf tiki on Tue, Feb 13, 2007 7:15 AM

A quick literature search did not turn up any specifically listed toxicity for either bone or ivory. There were several listed cases of people experiencing asthma and anaphylaxis from exposure to bone dust but these appear to be related to allergies to protein antigens in fresh bone and reaction to residual chemicals used to treat the bones.

In short, treat it like you would treat a hardwood. Wear a dust mask and take steps to reduce the amount of airborne dust.

It is important to note that when working with "fossilized" ivory you run the risk of exposure to whatever mineral the bone has bonded with over the years so there is the potential for some toxicity.

Since wet sanding is often used when working with bone to prevent it from overheating it should be fairly easy to control exposure.

As usual this advice is worth what you paid to get it.