[Greenbuilding] formaldehyde-free ply wood

[George J. Nesbitt]

Interior grade plywood (sheet products) has traditionally (or 
conventionally) used urea-formaldehyde glues. Think horse urine. It off 
gases in large quantities, smells, and is recognized as unhealthy. It 
should banned.

Exterior grade plywood has traditionally used phenol-formaldehyde glues. 
The amount off gassed is small compared to urea-formaldehyde. It is an 
acceptable product to use. Use it even in situations that call for 
interior grade products like in cabinets.

California is considering limiting formaldehyde emissions from products. 
They are measuring the emissions from products and then will choose a 
level that can't be exceeded. I don't know if they are making a 
distinction between interior and exterior rated products.

Non formaldehyde glues are used in some products, one is more toxic and 
hazardous to the workers in the plants. There are some soy based glues, 
but soy is a very common allergen, and could be a problem.

You have to check the MSDS for individual products to know for sure what 
is used.

Remember, the cure is sometimes worse than the disease. A new product, 
or glue hasn't been tested and used long enough to know what the 
negative effects are or might be. It can take years for health effects 
to show up. It's easy to look back and say somethings are really bad, 
harder to know with others, and even harder to predict the future.



Irina Golfman wrote:

>Hello everyone,
>
>I hope that someone can clarify my confusion and help me locate 
>formaldehyde-free plywood.
>
>I now understand that there are two types of formaldehyde. The 
>urea-formaldehyde (really toxic) and phenol-formaldehyde (less toxic). I am 
>told that while certified urea-formaldehyde plywood is available, plywood 
>that is free of both types of formaldehyde does not exist.
>
>I was told previously that CDX plywood (also knows as outdoor grade) is 
>free of formaldehyde (both kinds?). However, someone just told me that this 
>is not always the case.
>
>I am working with my contractor to locate the plywood that would work for 
>my healthy house and would very much appreciate any help that the folks on 
>this list can give me.
>
>Many thanks,
>-------------------------------------------------
>Irina
>
>
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