Formaldhehyde in MDF?

Question

My husband was contemplating building some furniture for our child's room...but a co-worker cautioned him that MDF contains formaldhehyde.

First time I've ever heard of such a thing. Wondering if there is truth to that.

Answer 1

There is indeed formaldehyde in MDF (Medium Density Fiberboard). There is formaldehyde in a lot of products for the home, though. I have been a kitchen designer for 6 years and have learned that the formaldehyde content in most cabinets these days is minimal. There are certain cabinet companies, however, that pride themselves in having lower volatile chemical contents than others. My company sells a brand called Apple Valley. They specialize in MDF/laminate cabinets. They do wood too, but laminate is their claim to fame. They have an entire line of cabinets called Medcabs. They can be used for doctors offices or the home and they come in an array of amazing, fun laminate colors and patterns. They can actualy look very dressy ! I would advise looking at "kitchen" cabinets, because they can be used for other parts of the home, too. For example, these companies often make book cases, seating benches, closets, etc. And the sky is the limit with a company like Apple Valley! They custom make sizes and have hundreds upon hundreds of colors to choose from; everything from a classy wood grain look to wild lime green! Their MDF, because it is often used in public places where some people will have chemical sensitivities, is very "clean" compared to other brands.

Remember, carpets and area rugs have more dangerous chemicals than MDF. Drinking out of a plastic cup is more dangerous than being in a room with MDF furniture. So don't worry too much :)

Answer 2

formaldehyde is in the glue used to make particle board not MDF. Think about using a good quality of plywood. You will have problems with nailing or using screws in the edges of MDF. Unless you plan to cover the MFD with laminate, it will not do very well with just a painted finish.

Answer 3

It does contain formaldehyde. Then again, so do the new clothes you purchase as they soak them in formaldehyde to prevent bugs from infesting them and so do a lot of shampoos , conditioner and body washes that are sold in stores.  Particle board will also have similar harsh chemicals in them and that outdoor treated wood that looks grey and is being used on many playgrounds these days, has high levels of arsenic in them. With that type of boarding, it is recommended that people who cut it wear special grade breathing masks and anyone that touches it, washes as soon as possible to avoid hand to mouth contamination. The best product to use to avoid these nasty chemicals is real wood. It is much cheaper too and a lot more beautiful as you can stain it the color you want.

Answer 4

mdf,,plywood,osb,carpet,FEMA trailers....YUM!

Answer 5

I don't know what MDF is...but I have come to know (from formaldehyde allergies myself), that most things produced to appear like the real thing in houses ("mock" wood, paneling, etc), contains formaldehyde.

Answer 6

I think MDF contains 120% alcohol...but I would much rather use the real wood and not fiberboard.  It would be more durable for kids.