The chemical and elemental composition of caviuna wood was determined. The elemental composition of the examined wood was similar to the elemental composition of the deciduous tree species of the temperate zone except that it did not contain sulphur. The examined wood was found to comprise a very high content of extractive substances which could contain toxic substances, as well as a considerably higher proportion than in other palisander species mineral compounds determining tool dulling. Numerous cases of diseases were recorded among people who came into contact with the examined wood. An elevated level of eosinophils was found in these people. It was confirmed that Caviuna wood, following its introduction into the trade turnover of exotic wood species, posed many threats in the working environment.