Is cedar wood toxic?

Absolutely not! In fact, Western Canadian Red Cedar has a healing effect on the body. For example, excess fluids that cause edema are eliminated in cedar saunas and toxins are removed more effectively. Cedar wood also produces oil that has been used for over 3000 years to prevent or cure illnesses. Cedar oil contains terpenes and is defined by Webster's Dictionary as "…Any one of a series of isomer hydrocarbons of pleasant aromatic odor…" In other words, terpenes are pleasant smelling essential oils that are used for beauty, healing, and rejuvenation. The following is a quote from the R.E.D. Facts sheet, EPA-738-F-93-008, Sept, 1993 on Wood Oils and Gums: "…the EPA is not aware of any evidence of injury to human health or the environment due to their (cedar oil) use." Others will tell you cedar is toxic in order to sell saunas made from cheaper woods (i.e. Poplar). This is a sales pitch and is not scientifically proven. In fact, Cedar does not add to the toxic burden of the sauna user, nor is cedar toxic to the lungs. It is naturally anti-fungal and anti-bacterial owing to the unique properties of the cedar oil. This is especially important in the sauna where bodies, moisture and heat combine to make the environment perfect for molds and bacteria.

Soft woods such as Poplar create excess mucous in the body. Poplar also absorbs odor causing bacteria and needs harsh chemical disinfectants to kill the bacteria. These chemicals remain in the sauna to be inhaled by the next sauna user. One sauna company uses a fan but this is not effective at eliminating odor and bacteria. This is not the case with Cedar. Cedar does not absorb odor, is resistant to bacteria and needs no disinfectants.

Normal use of a sauna made with cedar wood is safe for the human body. No case has ever been reported to any government agency or research institution regarding any health problems related to using a cedar wood sauna. Click here for the EPA report.