Can particle board be de-gassed to make it safe for inside use?

Question

I installed shelves made from that large scrap size particle board (the kind you can see pieces of wood glued together). Almost immediately I got headaches and couldn't sleep later that night. The 30"x20" shelves were cut from a 4x8 sheet at the lumber yard and hung in a large closet without any air circulation.

What are better choices for health concerns than this kind of material? (Plywood also has glue with formaldehyde.)

Can this material be salvaged by placing it in the hot sun for several days? How long might this take? (If so, should high humidity be avoided for this?)

The helpful assistant at the store suggested this material for shelving (appearance not an issue, price an issue) and claimed that they've improved on the issue of toxic glue. I've never had this response before, but it may be that I'm more sensitive now.

Answer 1

In fact not true at all. There are many formaldehyde free plywoods, as well as mdf and particle board products. As green building has gained popularity, product demands have to be met. Check with a lumber yard rather than a Home Depot type store. Columbia Forest Products makes SkyBlend particleboard, which is form. free. Actually, our columbia distributor doesn't even have plywood from them wtih formaldehyde in it- easier and cheaper to streamline everything to meet the growing environmental concerns.

Also, you could check on a low/no VOC sealer or paint for the shelves you have. Letting them off gas for a few days may help, but you'd need a dry area or the wood will swell and just be bad. Considering your reaction, I'd definitely mask up, sand, prime, and paint. Really, you don't need to set it out, but it might give you peace of mind. Because once a good seal is applied over the wood, any gas that's left can't get to you. Just like a good sealer keeps water from getting into the wood.

Answer 2

According to my neighbour, a master carpenter, whom I just asked: they use the same glue now that they've used for fifteen years.

As for your problem - all fibreboard and pressboard contains toxic glues that vent VOCs. Your best bet is to find some old fiberboard that has already vented its gasses.

Answer 3

Particle board will outgas formaldehyde for years.

See the following page on new construction materials...

http://www.building-your-green-home.com/...

Your headaches are most likely from the formaldehyde.  If you absolutely cannot afford to replace them, then you might try a sealer from AFM manufacturing.  It will cut way down on the outgassing smell.

See also this page on formaldehyde...

http://www.building-your-green-home.com/...

Also, get plenty of fresh air circulation in your home.  Formaldehyde is a dangerous and toxic gas - avoid it whenever you can.

The same site has lots of ideas for building/remodeling safely.

Hope this helps!

Answer 4

If you are concerned do not use particle board at all I don't just for this reason.