Spalted Smoking wood

[LEEROYBOY]

Does anyone out there have information on the safety of using spalted wood for smoking?
Thanks

[Jon Solberg]

Not much out there about it to be honest. I personally would just throw it on the lathe.

That said its safe to turn /sand/tool. Sorry not much help here right?

I dont think I'd feed my cooker a steady diet of it.

[Huskee]

Great question for Dr Blonder. I suppose the answer lies in whether it's actually fungi or, less likely, mold causing it, and if so whether or not the heat of combustion kills any spores that may be in lofting upward toward your food. If it's just interior coloration, I wouldn't worry too much.

I'll forward this to Dr Blonder to see if he can shed any light on the topic.

[docblonder]

True spalted wood is the result of a fungal colony taking up residence in cracks, and particularly weak grained, wood. Very pretty, and a favorite of some wood turners (don't forget to wear a dust mask). The fungus is relatively safe and can be destroyed with strong kiln drying.

However, the same conditions that allow this relatively safe fungus to grow, also permit more dangerous strains of fungus, and some bacteria, to prosper. Like Farmer's lung, Aspergillus fumigatus Only an expert would know for sure.

One way a fungus spreads is via forest fires- the convection currents carry fungal spores high into the atmosphere where they can travel thousands of miles. We are all breathing spalted wood spores at this very moment.

If you can kiln dry the wood, maybe ok. Personally I would save to burn this winter in a good, sealed wood stove (where intake air and exhaust all come from outside your house), and avoid food contact.

Likely a small risk, but avoidable.