Wednesday, July 25, 2001

'Take two trees and call me in the morning'

You won't hear your doctor dispense this prescription, but the Georgia Forestry Commission wants to advise you that trees and products made from trees are an important component in many of the pharmaceuticals and health-related products you use every day.

Products such as pain relievers, disinfectants, soaps and ointments are all made with natural elements that can be found in wood and ultimately in your medicine cabinet.

All wood is composed of cellulose fibers held together with a glue-like substance called lignin. Through various manufacturing processes, lignin is separated from cellulose fibers.

Cellulose and cellulose derivatives, such as cellulose sulfate, microcrystalline cellulose and many others are used in thousands of common consumer items that help improve people's health and their lives. For example:

Many tablets and capsules are coated with wood cellulose to make them easier to swallow.

The molded plastic containers that hold those tablets and liquid medicines owe their shatterproof quality to wood cellulose derivatives.

Bandage strips are coated with a gum extracted from trees that makes the adhesive stick.

Cough syrups and other liquid oral medicines are often thickened by cellulose products for their even flowing consistency.

X-ray film used by doctors and dentists is made from cellulose.

Surgical gowns and medical clothing are made from cellulose fibers produced from trees.

And, if all this is too much to stomach, thank wood for the antacid you take. It contains microcrystalline cellulose, which gives it that creamy texture.

Georgia's forestry community plants more than 250 million trees every year in Georgia. Forest products fuel Georgia's economy to the tune of more than $19.5 billion each year through the shipment of lumber, wood, pulp, and allied products.

For more information on forestry in general, visit www.gfagrow.org or www.forestinfo.org/Discover/index.htm. The Georgia Forestry Commission can be reached at 770-254-7218 or www.gfc.state.ga.us.