MDF and chipboard are common building materials used in contemporary furniture design. They are widely used in homes all over the world and are reasonably priced and versatile. However, worries regarding their safety have also surfaced as a result of their widespread use.
Some individuals are concerned that these materials may leak dangerous compounds into the atmosphere, which could have an impact on human health. This has sparked discussions about whether or not MDF and chipboard are actually safe to use in our homes and whether or not these worries are unfounded.
In this post, we’ll examine the issues raised by chipboard and MDF, examine the available data, and assist you in determining whether these materials actually present a risk or if the rumors are to be believed.
| Aspect | Explanation |
| Formaldehyde Emissions | Both chipboard and MDF can release formaldehyde, a harmful chemical, especially when new. Over time, the emissions decrease, but proper ventilation is still important. |
| Health Risks | Exposure to high levels of formaldehyde can cause respiratory issues and irritation. Long-term exposure may increase the risk of certain cancers. |
| Safety Measures | Using products labeled as "low-emission" or "E1" grade can reduce the risk. It"s also helpful to seal the surfaces with paint or varnish. |
| Myth vs. Reality | While concerns are valid, risks are minimal if using low-emission products and following safety guidelines. The idea that all chipboard and MDF are highly dangerous is exaggerated. |
- Composition of products
- Hazard to health
- Nuances affecting environmental performance
- Video on the topic
- Formaldehyde in furniture, class e1. LDSP – dangerous?
- Environmental friendliness of furniture, formaldehyde emissions from chipboard
- CAUTION – chipboard! About the harm of formaldehyde in furniture
- The whole truth about formaldehyde in chipboard. How to choose safe furniture.
- Zhirinovsky on the harm of chipboard furniture
- Is chipboard furniture harmful: what 90% of furniture makers will not tell you.// Formaldehyde, Egger VS Lamarti
Composition of products
The single component that drives the production of both alternatives is typically low-value coniferous or deciduous wood, or leftovers in the form of chips, sawdust, or rejected portions of higher-class logs. However, the manufacturing board technology is very different:
- Chipboard. The raw materials undergo preliminary cleaning, after which they are crushed into small elongated chips and dried well. Then the mixture enters a special drum, where formaldehyde resin is applied to it. The essence of the process is that the entire surface of the dry component must be covered with an adhesive substance. After this, molding and pressing are carried out.
- MDF. The basis of such a product is a smaller fraction, pre-prepared chips are crushed almost into powder. Lignin and carbide resins are mixed into the resulting material, which are additionally modified with melamine. Such technology allows to significantly reduce the level of harmful fumes. Then the mass is shaped and sent for hot pressing.
In addition, the panels undergo ornamental finishing or stay unaltered if meant for rough operations.
Hazard to health
The binding components represent the primary harm. Opinions frequently overstate the true impact of the boards on human health.
Dizziness and appetite loss are symptoms of a central nervous system disorder brought on by an increased concentration of these substances. Additional symptoms that may be noticed include upper respiratory tract irritation, a feeling of nasal congestion, and an aggravation of chronic illnesses.
Be aware of this! Many conflicting pieces of information have contributed to the myth that MDF and chipboard are so dangerous that you should never use them for furniture construction or interior design. Actually, the materials’ potential for harm has been exaggerated a little.
Nuances affecting environmental performance
The following elements must be taken into account in order to assess how hazardous fumes are:
- All wood fiber and particle board materials emit formaldehyde to varying degrees. For chipboard, this figure is much higher, since a larger amount of binder resins is used for its production. But, speaking about the harmfulness of such products, it is necessary to take into account that formaldehyde (an aqueous solution of the substance) is included in many cosmetics and household products.
- A dangerous concentration of a toxic compound in the air can occur if the room is not ventilated. Also, to reduce the impact, ordinary indoor plants are used, which perfectly clean the air from many pollutants.
- There are regulatory indicators of environmental friendliness. For production facilities located in Russia, the following GOSTs apply: 27678 – for boards and 30255 – for interior items. According to them, the material is divided into emission classes: E1 – with a content of 10 mg of formaldehyde per 100 g of dry matter and E2 – with indicators from 10 to 30 mg per 100 g. Similar parameters are present in GOST 4598-86 and TU (technical conditions) 5536-026-00273643-98 for the manufacture of MDF. Natural untreated coniferous board belongs to the emission class E1.
- European standards are almost identical to the GOSTs that are in force in Russia, but there is a division into lower classes. The emission indicator E0 is becoming increasingly popular. Many people mistakenly believe that a panel produced according to such standards will not emit hazardous substances, but this indicator only indicates a decrease in concentration to a value of less than 2.5 mg per 100 g of dry matter.
Although many of the standards’ parameters appear extremely serious, they actually show what content is allowed for the panel’s component. The area of the room and the dimensions of the board sections through which evaporation occurs must be taken into consideration when calculating the maximum concentration in the space. There is no other way to comprehend just how dangerous it is to be in the room.
When thinking about using MDF and chipboard in your house, it’s important to consider the possible health risks. Although formaldehyde, a chemical with known negative effects, can be released by both materials, modern, high-quality products usually release levels that are within safe limits. This implies that the risks can be reduced with appropriate ventilation and cautious product selection.
It’s also critical to remember that a lot of manufacturers currently provide low-emission options, which further minimize risk. By selecting these products, you can take advantage of MDF and chipboard without having to worry too much about your health.
In conclusion, the risks associated with MDF and chipboard are frequently exaggerated, even though they are not totally unfounded. You can use these materials safely in your home if you pay attention to product quality and make educated decisions.
Because of their affordability and adaptability, chipboard and MDF are common materials used in construction and home furnishings, but questions have been raised regarding the possible health risks they may pose. Formaldehyde, a chemical that can release toxic fumes, particularly in poorly ventilated areas, is frequently present in these materials. The crucial question is whether these risks are large enough to offset the advantages of using MDF and chipboard for interior design in homes, or if taking the right safety measures can reduce any possible risks.
