Replies

1. 
   BanyanTree | Jun 27, 2002 07:44pm | #1

   Eddie,

   I don't know much about whether MDF is carcinogenic.  However, I will never work with it again.  A little while ago, I built some shop shelves with it, and, even using a dust mask, the particles somehow got into my lungs and for several days afterwards my chest hurt every time I took a deep breath.  Not only that, but MDF doesn't hold screws very well, can't get wet.  And generally I just don't feel "honest" using it on anything.

2. 
   swines | Jun 27, 2002 10:41pm | #2

   Next time you go to your favorite home super center - go over to the area where they have cement, mortar, sand, etc.  Pickup a bag of the "playground sand."  You will see a warning that says it has been found to be carcinogenic by the State of California (or, at least the sand in the stores in our area, not too far from CA, says that).  Sand, carcinogenic....makes you wonder when they're going to start posting warning signs on their beaches doesn't it?  My point being - today, everything is carcinogenic.  You can't avoid it.  Learn to deal with it.  If MDF irritates your lungs & you want to use it, try a dust mask.  If that doesn't work use a dual cartridge, organic vapor respirator.  The material isn't "right" for everything, but, it has its uses.  I'm just getting worn out by the "bubble-boy" approach to living.  Life, by definition, is hazardous to your health - get over it.  Learn to deal with it.  Be smart.  There's no need to be scared by everything that might be hazardous if you're stupid.  Oh, yeah - don't be that either.

1. 
   BanyanTree | Jun 27, 2002 11:33pm | #3

   Artpile,

   Your views are a bit extreme.  All Eddie asked was whether MDF is hazardous to our health.  I didn't see anything in his post that suggested that he goes overboard with worries about his health! 

   Now, to address YOUR extreme reaction...

   I don't think we ought to be over-worried about health risks, but it's stupid (your word) to act like there's nothing to be concerned about.  If it were up to people like you, factories would still be dumping heavy metals and other toxins into our rivers (hey, why worry), children would still be eating lead paint (stop complaining you little brats), the Ford Pinto would still be on the market with its faulty gas line (hey, it's just a fire, what's your problem), and cigarrette companies would be allowed to tell us that their products are good for us (what's everyone whining about anyway).

   So, in my book, Eddie's question is a good (and smart) one.

   Edited 6/27/2002 4:36:07 PM ET by Matthew Schenker

3. 
   Upraiser | Jun 28, 2002 03:15am | #4

   Eddie

   I noted a couple things about your statements.  EPA has no proof that formaldehyde is a carcinogen, in fact they have adequate proof that it is not.  It sure can be an irritant.   But for that matter so is the EPA, but that is another story.

   You will note that they always say "possible" when addressing formaldehyde.

   Your other concerns and some other comments about the dust is very valid and should be a concern to who over uses it.  It is more likely to be the reason for the lung congestion, I have experienced it in the past.

   It is very important to have good dust control, an active and working dust filter and a good quality dust mask.

   The other problem with MDF is that is made from a lot of different  fiber products, recycled wood, straw, bark, limbs, scap wood, wood pallets and who knows what else.

   I do use it and I know of a number of speciality wood shops that run thousand of feet a week of it.  It is so common in new homes, cabinets, trim, panels etc. that it is a standard.  Besides it looks nice when finished.

   Do I wish I had "real" wood to work with at a reasonable price, you bet.  I live in the center of one of the largests Ponderosa Pine forests in the US and guess what, all the mills are gone, about 20 of the them.  No more $.35 per BF for #2 pine 1x12, and no more #1 even if you are willing to pay the price.

   Now I use MDF and carbide tipped shaper cutters, lots of dust control and hold my acking back at the end of the day.

   You are right about being concerned.  Enjoy your woodworking.

   Curt

1. 
   eddiefromAustralia | Jun 28, 2002 05:38am | #5

   Thanks Curt,

   Your point on 'possible' is a good one, over here (Aust) it is termed 'probable'.

   Thanks for the input

   Eddie

4. 
   Glendo | Jun 28, 2002 07:05am | #6

   Hi Eddie,

   The first time I worked with MDF, I experienced a throbbing headache for the entire time I was exposed to the material. Once I figured out what the problem was (after a consultation with GS Parsons/Airgas, our local safety supply company) I found that this is common symptom of formaldehyde exposure. Even a respirator rated for organic vapors will NOT give protection from formaldehyde. Only a fresh air supply such as a ventilation fan or separate air supply will protect you. Now I use only formaldehyde-free MDF and take particular care to avoid the dust! It is useful stuff, so don't be afraid of it... just be careful!  :) Glendo

1. 
   jimblodgett | Jun 28, 2002 05:02pm | #7

   Medite makes a formaldehyde free MDF, check their product descriptions but I think it's "MDF II".  I'm sure Trupan and the other manufacturers do too.  Kind of makes me wonder why ALL sheet goods aren't made with that type of glue if formaldehyde is such a serious health risk.

1. 
   UncleDunc | Jun 28, 2002 05:29pm | #8

   Because the urea formaldehyde glue is cheaper and because not everyone is highly sensitive to formaldehyde.

1. 
   bobhallsr | Jun 29, 2002 08:19am | #9

   A bunch of us are old enough to remember HS Biology labs where we disected frogs or worms or other stuff that was preserved in formalin. Now I'm not saying that was good but it didn't produce a rash of cancerous teenagers. (Don't say it) It was a far higher dose than a shot of MDF

   Unc has named the more obvious problem. It is a sensitizer. People who develope a sensitivity to it get bad reactions. Bank tellers with formaldhyde sensitivity would get rashes so they could hardly count currency. They finally stopped using melamine to waterproof currency paper. Off gassing in new moble homes has caused severe reactions. But going back to those science labs, it's a wonder a lot more of us haven't been sensitized.

   BJ

   Gardening, cooking and woodworking in Southern Maryland