[Greenbuilding] formaldehyde-free ply wood

[Keith Winston]

Hi Irina,

You've basically got it right, although: there are formaldehyde-free 
plywoods, the one that's gotten all the press is Columbia Forest 
Products, which bought the patents for a soy-based glue:

http://www.treehugger.com/files/2005/04/columbia_forest_1.php

I have heard that OSB/chipboard manufacturers have converted to 
phenol-formaldehyde, due to complaints/problems with formaldehyde 
offgassing. I haven't had an opportunity to verify that. I would imagine 
other plywood manufacturers might move that direction. According to 
documents, phenol-formaldehyde emits "negligible" and "unmeasurable" 
amounts of formaldehyde. I don't know how true that is, for the 
chemically-sensitive community, for example. I have seen something that 
suggests that phenol-formaldehyde emits perhaps 1/40th as much as urea, 
though I'm sort of extrapolating to get that number.

Keith


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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-- 
Keith Winston
Earth Sun Energy Systems
3927 Madison St.
Hyattsville, MD 20781
301-980-6325
keith at earthsunenergy.com
www.EarthSunEnergy.com