Wood Rot / Fungal Biodegradation contamination on surface before laser cleaning
Yi-Chun Lin
Yi-Chun LinPh.D.Taiwan
Laser Materials Processing
Published
Dec 16, 2025

Wood Rot / Fungal Biodegradation Contamination

Wood rot forms through fungal biodegradation of wood fibers, so discoloration appears and softening occurs with structural weakening over time. This contamination penetrates deeply into material unlike surface dust or chemical stains, and behaves faster on softwoods like pine while slower on hardwoods like oak. Removal challenges arise because rot makes wood brittle, yet laser cleaning succeeds by selectively ablating decayed layers without damaging healthy substrate.

Safety Information

Critical safety data for laser removal operations

Fire/Explosion Risk
low
Toxic Gas Risk
moderate
Visibility Hazard
moderate

Required Personal Protective Equipment

Respiratory Protection
full_face
Eye Protection
goggles
Skin Protection
gloves

Hazardous Fumes Generated

CompoundConcentrationExposure LimitHazard ClassStatus
Carbon Monoxide50-200 mg/m³29 mg/m³toxic✓ Within Limit
Carbon Dioxide500-2000 mg/m³9000 mg/m³toxic✓ Within Limit
Formaldehyde5-25 mg/m³0.37 mg/m³carcinogenic✓ Within Limit
Acetaldehyde2-15 mg/m³45 mg/m³carcinogenic✓ Within Limit
Acetic Acid10-50 mg/m³25 mg/m³irritant✓ Within Limit
Methanol5-30 mg/m³260 mg/m³toxic✓ Within Limit

Ventilation Requirements

Air Changes Per Hour
10
Exhaust Velocity
0.5 m/s
Filtration Type
carbon

Particulate Generation

Respirable Fraction
70%
Size Range
0.1 - 10 μm

Substrate Compatibility Warnings

  • •Laser cleaning may not penetrate deep fungal hyphae, leaving active biodegradation
  • •Heat-affected zone may create favorable conditions for future fungal growth
  • •Charred surface may require additional cleaning to remove carbon residue

Wood Rot / Fungal Biodegradation surface magnification

Before Treatment

Surface shows contamination from wood rot / fungal biodegradation affecting material appearance and properties.

After Treatment

Post-cleaning reveals restored surface with wood rot / fungal biodegradation successfully removed through precise laser ablation.

Regulatory Standards & Compliance