[Greenbuilding] formaldehyde-free ply wood

[Keith Winston]

One formaldehyde-free subfloor (and siding, and roof sheathing) option 
is homasote, homasote.com. I have mixed feelings about it, but it also 
has some great properties. It's not real cheap, but not totally over the 
top.

Keith


Mike O'Brien wrote:
> Hi, Irina--
>
> Columbia Forest Products makes interior plywood with "mussel glue"  
> which doesn't emit formaldehyde. We are using a veneered version in  
> some cabinets.
>
> Exterior grade plywood is made with phenolic resin, or phenol- 
> formaldehyde adhesive. It does emit formaldehyde, but the emission  
> rate is very low compared to interior urea-formaldehyde plywood (on  
> the order of 1-2% of the urea-formaldehyde products).
>
> If the exterior grade plywood is on the exterior of the house as  
> sheathing on walls or roof, then there probably would not be pathways  
> for it to get into the occupied spaces.
>
> If the exterior grade plywood is used as subflooring or cabinet  
> frames, then the formaldehyde could offgas into the house.
>
> You can use formaldehyde-free medium density fiberboard for cabinets,  
> look for Medite II and Medex.
>
> For subflooring, I don't really know of a substitute. Here in  
> Portland we need the plywood to be part of creating a strong  
> diaphragm in the floor to resist an earthquake, so no one uses solid  
> wood subflooring like in the old days (my youth). Perhaps if you can  
> afford it and live someplace seismically quiet the solid wood is an  
> option.
>
> Best,
>
> Mike O'Brien
>
>
>
>
> On Aug 28, 2006, at 4:02 PM, 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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>
>
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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