Plywood is harmful to health – truth or myth?

Plywood is a common material choice for many applications in home construction and improvement. But the question of whether plywood can be harmful to one’s health is still up for debate. While some people think these worries are exaggerated, others are concerned about the possible risks posed by the chemicals used to make plywood.

This piece will investigate the veracity of the claims that plywood poses health risks. We will investigate the kinds of chemicals used in the manufacturing of plywood, their possible effects on indoor air quality, and the precautions that can be taken to reduce any associated risks. Making an informed choice about the use of plywood in your home or renovation projects will be made easier if you are aware of these factors.

We hope to provide a clear picture of whether plywood, a material that is widely used, really poses a health risk or if it is just a myth by looking at the science and myths surrounding it.

Concern over whether plywood’s chemical treatments and potential formaldehyde emissions pose health risks is growing. This article will investigate the veracity of these allegations, evaluating plywood’s possible effects on health and distinguishing fact from fiction. We’ll examine what characteristics of plywood make it potentially dangerous, how to select safer options, and what precautions you can take in case you decide to use plywood in your home.

Board composition

The process of making plywood involves the use of specific binders to fuse together thin layers of both coniferous and deciduous wood. The work’s dependability in fixing the elements and the boards’ ability to withstand moisture are influenced by the mixtures used.

There are various plywood varieties:

  1. FBA. The material is glued using an albumin-casein composition. This natural-based glue is one of the most environmentally friendly.
  2. FC. The products are manufactured using urea glue with the addition of phenolic components. This composition allows the boards to successfully withstand small changes in humidity, so the material is only suitable for interior decoration.
  3. FKM. Products glued with melamine and melamine-formaldehyde resins have good parameters, but are extremely rare.
  4. Phenol-formaldehyde resin-based boards. The presence of this component in the composition ensures resistance to precipitation, so the material has proven itself for outdoor work.
  5. FB. Bakelite varnish-based panels are a special variety with good characteristics.
  6. FBS. Products glued with a similar to the previous version, but an alcohol-soluble composition. Includes several varieties, depending on the degree of processing with a binder.
  7. Products based on a water-soluble bakelite mixture. Such glue gives the boards the desired characteristics, but does not provide moisture resistance.
  8. Laminated plywood. Various types of film are used for finishing FSF panels.

Be aware of this! By varying the amount of veneer glue used, damage is minimized.

Health hazard

To categorize plywood as a completely environmentally friendly product is a mistake, as even natural wood cannot ensure total safety. This is explained by the possibility of some unfavorable effects from the resin used in the structure.

Veneer toxicity is impacted by the glue used to join it; formaldehyde and phenol fumes are the most hazardous. These ingredients are found in most plywood binder solutions; bakelite varnish also contains some of these ingredients. Thus, any material has the potential to release fumes that are harmful to human health.

Signs of harmful consequences:

  • Headaches. Problems begin with the appearance of heaviness and fogginess. Subsequently, if the influence is constant, migraines develop. Symptoms worsen when staying in a room lined with hazardous material; in the fresh air, the pain syndrome decreases.
  • Sore throat. Gradually, a minor problem develops into a serious, painful cough, which can lead to chronic respiratory disease.
  • Nausea, vomiting. These symptoms indicate severe poisoning.
  • Fatigue. Harmful substances worsen the general condition of the body: appetite decreases, lethargy, apathy and drowsiness appear.

When one or more symptoms are present, ongoing negative effects can cause serious issues that need medical attention. But only when extremely low-quality products are bought can such dire consequences occur. These materials are typically imported from Asian nations or produced by unidentified businesses.

Note: Hazardous evaporation can be virtually completely eliminated with finishing. Toxic substances found in plywood products can be neutralized in permissible quantities by painting, pasting, or sheathing the surfaces.

Claim Explanation
Plywood emits harmful chemicals Plywood can release formaldehyde and other volatile organic compounds (VOCs), especially if it is of low quality or poorly manufactured. However, many modern plywoods are made with lower-emission adhesives and are certified as low-VOC.
Formaldehyde in plywood causes health issues Exposure to high levels of formaldehyde can cause respiratory problems and other health issues. Using plywood with low formaldehyde emissions and ensuring good ventilation can mitigate these risks.
Plywood is always unsafe Not all plywood is harmful. Choosing high-quality, certified plywood and ensuring proper ventilation can make it a safe choice for construction and finishing.

In conclusion, the chemicals utilized in the manufacture of plywood are the main source of concern regarding its potential health effects. Even though formaldehyde, a common adhesive in plywood, can be dangerous, these worries have been greatly allayed by new regulations. Safer substitutes are now used by manufacturers, and additional exposure can be reduced with adequate sealing and ventilation.

Plywood is generally safe to use and maintain when handled properly. It’s critical to select items that adhere to safety regulations and to make sure your workspace has adequate ventilation. You can benefit from plywood without unduly worrying about health risks if you take these precautions.

In conclusion, the myth that plywood is always bad for your health is not totally true, even though it’s important to be aware of potential risks. Plywood is a material that can be used safely and effectively for a variety of purposes if it is handled carefully and is chosen wisely.

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Veronica Gerasimova

Interior designer, author of books on the design of residential premises. I will help you make your home not only functional, but also beautiful.

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