As a professional woodworker I always advise Safey first. There are some wood species that are downright toxic to inhale. I use dust masks for cutting pine, maple, oak, cherry and fur but use respirators for cedar.
https://www.wood-database.com/wood-articles/wood-allergies-and-toxicity/
“any wood is a calculated risk, and the question boils down to this: how much of a potential risk am I comfortable with?”
And don’t forget the ear protection with power Ringing in the ears is no fun.
I no longer use wood finishes in places such as ceilings and only use food grade oil finishes for the cabinets. I’ve known several non professional people who used finishes requiring a respirator without using a respirator and have suffered lifelong disease from such use.
Tool safety is also important. I’ve know several experienced cabinet makers who didn’t like their table saw guards and lost parts of their fingers. Radial arm and cut saws are very dandeous with folks leaving their hands in the path of the saw blade with bad results. Never use power tools when you’re tired or buzzed and be sure to read and understand the safety instructions for each particular tool.
