Just how ‘toxic’ is MDF, exactly?? [video #290] (2024)

FAQs

How toxic is MDF? ›

Conclusion. In conclusion, we would just like to reiterate that while may MDF carry a tiny fraction of harmful substances, it is completely safe. The concentration of Formaldehyde in it is well below the safety line and we ensure ample measures to ensure minimal to no emissions.

MDF made with UF may emit formaldehyde gas for months or years after it is manufactured. Over the last few years it has become more common for manufacturers of MDF to: Lower the amount of added formaldehyde in the UF resin.

The main concern regarding the health risks of MDF is the use of urea-formaldehyde adhesives as the bonding agent during the creation of the panels. Formaldehyde has been thought to have cancer risks. However, studies linking cancer to formaldehyde have not been conclusive.

The atmosphere created by machining or sanding MDF board contains a mixture of softwood dust and hardwood dust (if it is present). In addition, there will also be free formaldehyde, dust particles onto which formaldehyde is adsorbed and potentially, the resin binder itself and its derivatives.

Health issues with MDF board

Because of the health hazards MDF presents, the U.S. government passed the Formaldehyde Standards for Composite Wood Products Act in 2010, which sets limits on how much formaldehyde home products can contain—in this case, a max of 0.11 ppm (parts per millions).

MDF board. MDF board is a timber product made from hardwood and softwood fibres that are glued together with wax and a resin adhesive containing urea-formaldehyde. Both wood dust and formaldehyde are Group 1 carcinogens. When working with wood products, dust and free formaldehyde are released.

In extreme cases Formaldehyde Poisoning may include low blood pressure (hypotension), abnormalities of heart rhythm, irregular breathing, restlessness, unconsciousness and coma.

In more than 30 years of usage, there is no evidence that MDF is a health risk. It has never been banned in any part of the USA or any other country (contrary to ill-informed rumours that surface from time to time that it has been banned in some country or other) and there is no reason for it to be so.

Baking soda reduces odor and gently cleans clothes. To do this, pour some baking soda into the warm water, swirl it around gently to mix the ingredients, and submerge your clothes in the mixture for at least 8 hours to remove formaldehyde.

MDF is vulnerable to extreme heat Remember that engineered wood is made out of wax and/or resin-like compounds. This is why you should not leave MDF units in proximity of heaters, radiators, fireplaces, ovens, stoves as well as out in a hot summer. 4. MDF can't support too much weight.

Has MDF been banned in America? ›

The material is often bound together with a urea formaldehyde resin, although formaldehyde-free boards are now also available. Despite rumours to the contrary MDF has not been banned in the USA (or anywhere else), nor is it likely to be. The USA in fact uses more of it than any other county.

The wood industry has rejected the allegations surrounding MDF, which is now the centre of a multi-billion pound market. David Duke-Evans, director-general of the Wood Panel Industries Federation, which represents MDF manufacturers, said: 'It has nothing in common with asbestos.

Particle board, a strong composite material, represents approximately half of all the wood-based material used in our products in FY22. Figures do not include paper used in IKEA products.

Ingestion of aqueous solutions of formaldehyde can result in severe corrosive injury to the esophagus and stomach. Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, inflammation of the stomach, and ulceration and perforation of the oropharynx, epiglottis, esophagus, and stomach may occur.

There are a few areas where MDF should never be used – kitchen or bathroom cabinets and trim in the bathrooms. These are the two areas we see the most failure because of moisture. Window sills are also problematic if the windows have any sort of condensation or leaking problems.

The level of formaldehyde offgassing is higher than in plywood, even if both are CARB 2 certified – 0.11 ppm in MDF compared to 0.05 ppm for plywood. MDF made with formaldehyde should be avoided where possible in a healthy home.

MEDITE ECOLOGIQUE is an MDF panel with Zero added Formaldehyde. Developed specifically for use in environmentally sensitive interior applications, where formaldehyde emissions need to be kept to the minimum. FSC® Certified.

Don't Cut It Without a Mask

Cutting and milling MDF produces a lot of dust and fine particles which contains high levels of urea-formaldehyde due to the adhesive resins contained within the material. Wearing a mask is highly advised as the dust particles produced contain formaldehyde which is a know carcinogen.

Like asbestos, MDF has been touted as a wonder product, but like asbestos it may be as equally as deadly, at least in the production phases. So much so, that I won't really think it should be used by DIY enthusiasts. Woodworkers should stick to plywood.

Why is everything made of MDF? ›

Builders and homeowners love using MDF because it's durable and highly cost-effective. It's also a solution for a wide range of applications, from doors to storage cabinets, molding and trim. MDF offers great stability, even when there are significant changes in temperature or humidity.

This aldehyde is a well-established neurotoxin that affects memory, learning, and behavior. In addition, in several pathological conditions, including Alzheimer's disease, an increase in the expression of formaldehyde-generating enzymes and elevated levels of formaldehyde in brain have been reported.

The data suggests it takes about two years for formaldehyde in newly built or remodeled homes to off-gas down to levels of the average home. However, higher humidity and temperatures can make VOCs off-gas faster.

At low levels, breathing in formaldehyde can cause eye, nose and throat irritation. At higher levels, formaldehyde exposure can cause skin rashes, shortness of breath, wheezing and changes in lung function.

Plywood looks more like real wood.

Since plywood is made with wood strips, its surfaces take on the solid-wood appearance better than MDF. Higher grades of plywood are smooth and quite attractive, with plenty of grain, yet none of the knotholes that can mar solid wood.

The best mask for MDF dust is one that is equipped with a P3 filter. P3 filters are designed to filter out at least 99.97% of airborne particles, including those as small as 0.3 microns. This makes them highly effective at filtering out the fine dust particles created when cutting MDF.

During the 'machining' process, however, is the only time that MDF poses any kind of health risk. The reality is that once the MDF is cut and finished with sealant or paint, it is no more harmful than a tomato.

Add vinegar to the laundry.

Add a cup of white vinegar to your rinse cycle to help wash out formaldehyde better.

In homes, the most significant sources of formaldehyde are likely to be pressed wood products made using adhesives that contain urea-formaldehyde (UF) resins.

Rinse your clothing in cold water and allow it to air dry.

Air drying will help to get rid of any formaldehyde left over in your clothes.

What is high grade MDF? ›

MDF is a high grade, composite material. It is made from recycled wood fibers and resin. It is dried and pressed to produce dense, stable sheets. Because of this process, MDF does not warp or crack like wood.

MDF is allowed in food safe applications and for children's toys (the only restriction even in Europe is regarding the paint you apply to the MDF).

The average lifespan of MDF products given in the literature ranges from 14 to 20 years.

However, MDF can be recycled, which is the most sustainable scenario for its end-of-life stage. There are two scenarios for MDF products – furniture, flooring, and household items – at the end of their life: They can end up in landfills and don't decompose. In this case, it keeps its role as carbon storage.

MDF, laminates, softwood, and melamine are also hallmarks of cheap furniture. Of course these materials are great for less used spaces and children's bedrooms, but if you spot these materials in cheap bedroom furniture, be sure to know that it won't be high quality.

MDF wood is ranked among the most versatile carpentry material and for a good reason. It's incredibly durable, has an average density, making it an excellent choice for numerous projects like making cabinets and shelves.

MDF has a smooth finish as it consists of wood grains that are of the same size. Particle-boards do not have a smooth surface as they consist of wood shavings and chips. MDF has a higher density level than particle-board. Particle-boards have a lesser density level.

Which cancers are associated with exposure to formaldehyde? Studies of workers exposed to high levels of formaldehyde, such as industrial workers and embalmers, have found that formaldehyde causes myeloid leukemia and rare cancers, including cancers of the paranasal sinuses, nasal cavity, and nasopharynx.

Imagine buying a new furniture set and noticing a strong, chemical odor in your house days, even months later. For some people, headaches, asthma, allergies and even serious diseases like cancer may follow. It's called furniture off-gassing. Furniture can release toxic chemicals into the air we breathe.

The reaction of formaldehyde with urea and acid will neutralize the formaldehyde.

Where is MDF most commonly used? ›

MDF is widely used in the manufacturing of furniture, kitchen cabinets, moldings, millwork, door parts, and laminate flooring.

Moisture resistant MDF is made for use in areas where the moisture content in the air is higher than normal - for instance, an average bathroom. The properties given to the material during the manufacturing process prevent the boards from sucking up moisture that may be present in the air.

MDF is environmentally friendly and can be easily recycled for reuse as it is made up of wood fibre. PVC is not degradable or biodegradable after its use as the breakdown does not occur easily. MDF is resistant to chipping and ripping and hence it is easy to mould.

The noncarcinogenic effects of MDF dust and formaldehyde include eye and skin irritation [2, 7, 8], dermatitis, [9] respiratory illnesses such as nasal inflammation [10], asthma [7, 11, 12], bronchitis [13], coughing, loud breathing, and wheezing [11, 12], and lower chest discomfort [8].

The material is often bound together with a urea formaldehyde resin, although formaldehyde-free boards are now also available. Despite rumours to the contrary MDF has not been banned in the USA (or anywhere else), nor is it likely to be. The USA in fact uses more of it than any other county.

Don't Cut It Without a Mask

Cutting and milling MDF produces a lot of dust and fine particles which contains high levels of urea-formaldehyde due to the adhesive resins contained within the material. Wearing a mask is highly advised as the dust particles produced contain formaldehyde which is a know carcinogen.

When MDF is manufactured, VOCs are released into the air. These VOCs can cause respiratory problems, headaches, and nausea. Dust produced during manufacture is harmful to breathing: Dust produced during the manufacture of MDF is harmful to breathing. This dust can contain harmful chemicals, such as formaldehyde.

Bottom Line: How Long it Takes to Off-gas Formaldehyde from Homes. The data suggests it takes about two years for formaldehyde in newly built or remodeled homes to off-gas down to levels of the average home. However, higher humidity and temperatures can make VOCs off-gas faster.

MDF lacks the directional grain that gives solid wood and plywood its strength and structural integrity. Even though a lot of shelving and cabinets are remade from MDF, they require a solid timber frame to provide support or must be fixed in a way to ensure it does not sag over time.

The easy and effective way to cut the MDF is using a table saw with a carbide-tipped blade. To avoid dust build-up, the blade should be carbide-tipped, and the table saw should have a vacuum removal system.

Will Lowes cut MDF board for you? ›

In addition to plywood, Lowe's will also cut MDF, particle board, and melamine for you. These are all similar materials that can be difficult to cut for the average person. Of course, Lowe's also offers standard wood cutting services for things like 2x4s and other common boards.