MDF: It is versatile but is it safe?
January 10, 2012
Medium Density Fibreboard (MDF) is known for its versatility and stability and is used within many household furniture products; it is also one of the most popular materials used to make children’s products.
There are a number of different types of MDF with differing finishes and various uses however there is one common thing with all types of MDF, they all use manufactured bonding agents and resins. It is these manufactured bonding agents and resins that are causing concern.
Urea Formaldehyde is often used to bond together the constituent parts of the fibreboard however sometimes a stronger glue known as phenol formaldehyde is used. Research has shown that short term exposure to formaldehyde even at levels far below the legal limit allowable in Britain can cause irritation to the eyes nose and throat.
Formaldehyde can affect the skin causing dermatitis and can also affect the respiratory system causing rhinitis or asthma.
The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has also stated that wood dust is a Carcinogen (cancer causing) and they have also stated that ‘formaldehyde is probably carcinogenic to humans’. As a potential carcinogen formaldehyde should be replaced wherever possible and if not, rigorously controlled to reduce exposure to the lowest possible level.
A number of countries have very strict limits on formaldehyde emissions in the work place to protect employees from its harmful effects. Formaldehyde is known as a Hazardous Substance and therefore it has a maximum Exposure Limit, at no time should an employee be exposed to levels about the MEL and in addition, an employer must try to keep exposure as far below the MEL as is reasonably practicable.
As an employer you have a duty to protect you employee’s and carry out sufficient risk assessments to introduce measures that eliminate or adequately reduce risks. Where possible an alternative safer substance should be used, if there is no alternative your employer should consider using low emission boards.
Here are some methods that can be implemented by employers to reduce the risks of exposure to wood dust and formaldehyde;
• Ventilation – the most effective method of ventilation will be exhaust fans, as they are attached to the machine they remove the majority of dust at source
• Masks – these can avoid inhalation or ingestion of wood fibres
• Gloves - to avoid skin contact with formaldehyde
• The workplace should also be kept clean and free of any dust to avoid the risk of inhalation or ingestion
If you work in an environment where you have been exposed to occupational chemicals and you are suffering with respiratory problems or a skin related condition then contact us for free no obligation advice.
