Ground walnut shells have been used as a principal component of The Shuffleboard Federation’s Ultra Glide™ T Grade (Tournament Grade) Powdered Shuffleboard Table Wax products for over 35 years. Through a proprietary mix of finely ground walnut shells and White Lightning® Speed Regulator, The Shuffleboard Federation has developed the most consistent table shuffleboard powders available. Our R Grade (Regular Grade) Speed Powders do not contain nuts or nutshells. Check out our entire lineup of Table Shuffleboard Speed Powders for 7' to 22' Shuffleboard Tables.

Because of the use of walnut-based materials in our T Grade Speed Powders, The Shuffleboard Federation often receives questions related to walnut allergies and allergic reactions.

Walnuts (Juglandaceae) are a member of the Tree Nut family, and as such, have been reported to cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Tree Nut allergy is common, and reactions range from mild itching of the mouth to anaphylaxis. The reported incidence of Tree Nut allergies varies based on region, age, race/ethnicity, and the definition used for diagnosis but typically affects ~0.05%–2.0% of the population, with children being the most highly affected group. Specifically, walnuts have been estimated to contribute 20-30% [MM([3] of the total Tree Nut allergy incidence in the United States.

Nearly all reported allergic reactions to walnuts are the result of ingestion of the dried fruit (or kernel). Through component-resolved diagnostics, at least 5 different proteins (Jug r 1-5) have been identified in the walnut kernel that can cause allergic reactions in people. These proteins have not been shown to occur in the walnut shell. Ingestion is not anticipated to occur under normal use conditions for Table Shuffleboard Wax.

Walnut shell has not been shown to cause skin sensitization through exposure. That said, walnut shell Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) and warning labels for products containing walnut shells often recognize risks of allergic reaction. This is typically due to the potential for trace amounts of walnut kernel to remain in the shell during processing and thus enter the finished product. Walnut shells are regularly used in the cosmetic industry as an abrasive exfoliant where extensive skin exposure occurs without incident. Similarly, skin contact is not considered a hazard for shuffleboard wax containing walnut shells. Walnut shells have not been shown to present an acute toxicity hazard.

There are several case reports of contact dermatitis and skin hyperpigmentation related to dermal exposure to the green outer flesh (hull or husk) of walnuts during harvest or preliminary processing. The active aromatic napthoquinone (Juglone) has been shown to cause the irritation. Juglone has been isolated from the hull but has not been identified in the shell of the walnut, and skin irritation or dermatitis has not been reported for the dried shell.

Disclaimer: The following review of available data for walnut allergies is for informational purposes and provides an overview for the general population. It is NOT intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider for any individual concerns, conditions, or treatments.

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