It is important to remember that although many people may, or may not, be sensitive to any given wood, the only experience that truly counts is your own, so use reported side effects as guidance but not as a substitute for cautious and safe practices.
Appropriate protective equipment is therefore always recommended when working with this, or any other, wood, exotic or domestic, unless you have worked with the species before and are certain you are not sensitive to it.
Complete information about health hazards associated with a wide variety of exotic hardwoods is available from The Wood Database. Additional information about how to best use a dust collection system and personal protective equipment, such as respirators, can also be found through this excellent and comprehensive resource.
Fortunately, I experienced no negative side effects when working with Camphor.
My Personal Experiences:
I recently took delivery of 5 large (12” x 3” up to 16” x 4”) Camphor blanks and I have green turned and sealed them to await full dryness. The wood turned very easily but that is common with green wood so it isn’t a reliable indicator of how the dry wood will turn.
Green Camphor Bowl Blanks
The color is quite varied and in most cases quite attractive with streaks of reddish brown and black. I look forward to being able to finish the blanks to see the completed effect.
And then there is the odor. Wow, the scent is literally knock you down overpowering in the shop even days later. My sinuses have never been so clear. I enjoy the fragrance but if you are a person who does not, don’t choose Camphor wood for your next project.
As always, I wish all my readers a great experience in whatever your wood working interests happen to be and to those who like working with lathes especially, do a good turn today!