How Safe is MDF?

wizzer

Does anyone know anything about the potential health dangers of MDF particles/dust?

I have heard it described as the asbestos of the late 20th century. This may sound a bit alarmist and as always, it's sensible to take reasonable H&S precautions working with any building material.

Can anyone give any advice or has seen any 'official' statements on this material?

Thanks

grumbler

HSE study hands clean bill of health to MDF

[size=-2][PDF][/size] Medium density fibreboard (MDF)Hazard Assessment Document

I have heard it described as the asbestos of the late 20th century.

GPMU - Health and Safety Archive - Medium Density Fibreboard (MDF) (1998)

All these links are results of a simple google search for health MDF ...

newfunk

Like any product that creates dust when used, you will need to take precautions!

I used to buy 50 sheets at a time a few years ago, and then it had formaldahyde used in its construction! There was a big thing in the states about this. the rep who used to work for the company I used, told me that all MDF in this country was formaldahyde free!! How true this is, is anyone's guess!! I try and use Kronospan's MDF, as I know this is one of the best!

wizzer

Thanks people

The_Biff

I used to work for a firm in Canada that made MDF, over 20 years ago. They had all kinds of problems with nosebleeds, breathing problems etc & a lot of people seemed intolerant of the stuff. Don't know if the formaldehyde has now been removed.

MisterT2

Take it from someone whose liver doesn't work properly - its not formaldehyde free according to my hospital consultant.

redsquirrel_3

couple years ago i was making a big project out of MDF. I was working in a small space and dust particles were everywhere. I was doing the project for about 4-6 months and breathed in a lot.. didnt realise till i nearly finished i should wear a dust mask..