Aromatic Cedar: Not as spooky as you think
It’s spooky season, which means it’s time for ghosts, goblins, and… cedar? That’s right. Every so often, we get a few curious (and sometimes concerned) questions from folks wondering whether the aromatic Eastern Red Cedar we sell, a popular choice for natural wood products and home decor, is actually safe to have in their homes. It smells strong. It acts as a natural insect repellent. It even keeps moths out of your sweaters. But is there something “toxic” lurking beneath the surface of this beautiful wood?
Let’s clear the cobwebs and talk truth. Because while the name EasternRed Cedar might sound mysterious, the reality is that it’s one of the most homeowner-friendly and non-toxic woods you can bring into your space—when used properly.
What Is Eastern Red Cedar, Really?
Despite the name, Eastern Red Cedar isn’t a true cedar—it’s actually a species of juniper (Juniperus virginiana) native to North America. Known for its rich reddish hues, bold grain patterns, and famously fresh scent, this juniper wood is a favorite for cedar closet liners, decorative wood paneling, rustic accent walls, and even outdoor structures, making it a versatile choice for home improvement projects.
So where does the “toxic” question come from? Usually, it’s because:
- It has a strong scent
- It repels insects (acting as a natural pest control)
- It’s not recommended for grilling or food contact
Let’s break each of those down.
The Scent: Strong, But Safe
Eastern Red Cedar gets its signature smell from natural oils—specifically cedrol and cedrene. These compounds, often referred to as cedar oil, give it that clean, earthy aroma we all associate with cedar chests and closets, providing a natural fragrance for your home.
Good news: these oils are safe to inhale in normal household amounts. In fact, they’re often used in essential oils and natural bug repellents. Some people with extremely sensitive noses or allergies may prefer limited exposure, but for most households, this non-toxic wood is nothing to worry about—and certainly not toxic for general indoor use. [NTP, 2016; CCOHS; BoDD]
Cooking with Cedar? Not This One
Eastern Red Cedar is not food-safe and should never be used for cooking, smoking meats, or grilling. The same natural oils that make it smell amazing can release compounds that may cause nausea if ingested. This wood is not intended for culinary use. [Wildwood Grilling Blog; NC State Extension]
This is where the toxicity concerns come into play. But unless you’re throwing our cedar tongue & groove onto the barbecue, you’ve got nothing to worry about regarding its safety as a building material.
Safe for Families and Pets
Another common concern is whether Eastern Red Cedar is safe for children and pets. The answer: yes—when used as intended, it’s a pet-friendly wood and safe for families.
Cedar is widely used for closet liners, paneling, baseboards, and even pet bedding. It’s naturally resistant to rot, mold, and insects, and its pleasant scent helps freshen indoor air, contributing to better indoor air quality. [Catster; Piedmont Master Gardeners]
For pets, the wood is safe to be around, but like anything, it shouldn’t be chewed on or ingested in large amounts. (Same goes for toddlers.) And for small animals in enclosed spaces, like hamsters or rabbits, we recommend avoiding cedar shavings unless well-ventilated. [CCOHS]
What About Sawdust?
If you’re doing your own install or woodworking with our products, just be aware that Eastern Red Cedar sawdust, like any wood dust, can be an irritant. Always follow woodworking safety tips: wear a dust mask and work in a well-ventilated area. This is standard advice for working with any wood—not just cedar—to prevent wood dust hazards. [NIOSH; OSHA; ILO Encyclopaedia]
Final Verdict: No Tricks Here
So, is Eastern Red Cedar toxic? Not in your home, it’s not. In fact, it’s one of the safest and most natural ways to bring beauty, warmth, and a little rustic charm into your space, making it an excellent choice for natural home decor and safe indoor applications.
So go ahead—line that closet with cedar planks. Wrap those beams. Let your home smell like the good kind of woods. Just maybe leave the grilling to the hickory.
Happy Halloween from all of us at Mountain Milling Co.
References
- NTP (2016). Toxicology and Carcinogenesis Studies of Virginia Cedarwood Oil. https://ntp.niehs.nih.gov/ntp/htdocs/lt_rpts/tr587_508.pdf
- CCOHS. Wood Dust – Health Effects. https://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/chemicals/chem_profiles/wood_dust/health_wo.html
- Botanical Dermatology Database (BoDD) – Juniperus virginiana. http://www.botanical-dermatology-database.info/BotDermFolder/CUPR-3.html#Juniperus%20virginiana
- Wildwood Grilling Blog. Cedar Plank Grilling Safety. https://wildwoodgrilling.com/blogs/blog/the-truth-about-cedar-plank-grilling
- NC State Extension. Juniperus virginiana Profile. https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/juniperus-virginiana/
- Catster (Vet-Reviewed). Is Cedar Toxic to Cats? https://www.catster.com/guides/is-cedar-toxic-to-cats/
- Piedmont Master Gardeners. Pros and Cons of Eastern Redcedar. https://piedmontmastergardeners.org/article/eastern-redcedar/
- NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards – Wood Dust. https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/npg/npgd0676.html
- OSHA PEL Documentation – Wood Dust. https://www.osha.gov/chemicaldata/wood-dust
- ILO Encyclopaedia. Woodworking Industry Hazards. https://www.iloencyclopaedia.org/part-xvii-65263/woodworking
