Quote Originally Posted by mo1384
I built a top for an 80 gallon tank out of pine wood. I have read that pine substrate is dangerous for a ball python. My question: will my snake be harmed from just the tank top? at night he is always poking his head at the screen top, but other than that he wouldn't be in contact with it. Thanks to anyone who takes time to answer.
An 80 gall for a Ball? My god that is a bit big how do you plan to make him feel secure in such a large tank?

As to your question he will be fine. Pine (when the fibers are broken - as in shavings) releases phenols. These phenols are belived to cause respirtory stress that could lead to illness. However, they are lighter than air so they will rise away from that tank and very few should actually settle inside the tank. They also don't last long as only the cut ends of lumber would release any and few at that.