MDF releases urea-formaldehyde

[stk2008]

I was told that MDF is dangerous and when being worked you should take precations.

Even after being worked MDF all ways releases urea-formaldehyde etc over time they say to paint it all to lock it in.

I have used it to make radiator covers and want to know if its really safe as I have NOT painted the back sides of the board that are exposed to that central heating radiator.

What should I do I have kids and dont want them to be exposed to any thing that could casue problems down the line.

Thanks

[Alex2005]

I think treat it cautiously if you use it continuously, It doesn't show itself like charcoal (you know black soot crap in your nose after doing a barbeque). I think if you use adequate vacuum very close to your cutting point you will be better protected, but MDF dust gets everywhere. Try to avoid it, I reckon it takes 15-20 minutes to settle on the floor after working it.

Regards.

[stk2008]

Hi thanks for the reply.

I am more worried about what MDF I have in me front room as I have kids and don't want them to be exposed to any thing that could cause a problem in the future.

[jsheerin]

I can usually smell MDF outgassing when I first come into a room. I'd definitely seal it. I'd be more worried about breathing the dust from cutting it personally - I always wear a canister mask and am working on totally enclosing my router. The fine sawdust is really bad for you. Check out Bill Penz's site for more info.

[Geof]

Here read the Wiki on it particularly the Safety aspects of MDF which I copied this from: "Whether these chronic emissions of formaldehyde reach harmful levels in real-world environments is not yet fully determined."

Medium-density fibreboard - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Personally I don't think there is any hazard from MDF in a normal home environment. Actually if you had an open fireplace or even and open gas fire you probably get more from these than from any MDF.

In a manufacturing environment the fumes and dust from MDF can be hazardous with prolonged exposure but that is very different from a home environment.

[Alex2005]

I dont think I would be too worried about MDF around a radiator, I would imagine it would be sealed by something anyway from an aesthetic point of view.

[stk2008]

Hi all thanks for the replys.

I may take the covers apart and just put a coat of paint on the whole cover to seal it all.

I use this

Toolstation > Power Tools > SIP Tools > SIP Dust Extractor

And tbh it don't seem to work great but I will need to make a dust shoe then test it.