Formaldehyde Free Substrates

Why Products Containing Formaldehyde Should be Avoided

Pressed wood products (hardwood plywood wall paneling, particleboard, fiberboard) commonly contain formaldehyde resins. "Formaldehyde, a colorless, pungent-smelling gas, can cause watery eyes, burning sensations in the eyes and throat, nausea, and difficulty in breathing in some humans exposed at elevated levels (above 0.1 parts per million). High concentrations may trigger attacks in people with asthma. There is evidence that some people can develop a sensitivity to formaldehyde. It has also been shown to cause cancer in animals and may cause cancer in humans. Health effects include eye, nose, and throat irritation; wheezing and coughing; fatigue; skin rash; severe allergic reactions. May cause cancer." Source: EPA

Sources for FSC-Certified and Formaldehyde free MDF and particleboards

• Panel Source International

Sources for FSC Certified MDF and Particle boards

• Columbia Forest Products
• Hardwoods Specialty Products
• Forge Lumber
• Roddis Lumber

Also see Rainforest Alliance: A Smart Guide to Green Building Wood Sources

For more information about FSC, see the renewable timber section.

Related Articles

• Rapidly Renewable or Certified Woods

• Recycled Paper And Other Biofibers

• Eco Textiles

• Low or No VOC Adhesives

• Recycled Plastics and Glass

• Bio Based Plastics

• Reycled Metals

• Carpet and Flooring

[originally published on GreenDesignWiki.com]