What are the Health Risks of MDF?
- Written By: S.E. Smith
- Edited By: Bronwyn Harris
- Last Modified Date: 26 April 2013
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Copyright Protected:
2003-2013 Conjecture Corporation
Medium density fiberboard (MDF) is a manufactured wood product used in a variety of industries. The manufacturing process includes some chemicals that may be hazardous to humans, leading to concerns about the health risks of MDF. There are two primary concerns: exposure to the chemicals used to make it and wood dust. By being aware of the potential risks, people can protect themselves when they work with it.
To make MDF, a company shreds wood, softens it, and turns it into a fine powder. The powder is combined with resins and other bonding agents and compacted into solid boards. A number of different woods can be used to make MDF, and the material is also sometimes treated to be fire, water, or stain resistant. Many lumberyards sell varying types and widths for an assortment of uses.
Toxic chemicals are one of the major health risks of MDF. The chemical of most concern is formaldehyde, which can aggravate asthma and other lung conditions, irritate mucous membranes, and cause contact dermatitis. Studies on this chemical also suggest that it is a likely carcinogen, and it should be generally avoided. During the manufacturing process, personnel should protect themselves with respirators and adequate clothing. When cutting or working with MDF, nose, mouth, and eye protection should be worn. Finished products may also offgas, raising concerns about its use in the home. Fiberboard should never be burned, except in adequately ventilated facilities.
The second issue with MDF is wood dust, which is especially problematic for the airway, and it may be a possible carcinogen as well. Protective gear will reduce this health risk greatly, and finished products rarely pose a dust risk, since they should be properly sealed. MDF should always be cut and processed in well ventilated locations to reduce the risk of inhaling the dust.
The health risks of MDF should certainly be taken into consideration when the material is used, but they should not rule out its use altogether. Especially for outdoor use, MDF can be versatile, sturdy, and perfectly safe. The risks due to potential off gassing should be a source of potential concern, however, especially to parents, since children are very sensitive to respiratory irritants. Employers also have a responsibility to ensure that their employees are protected in the work equipment.
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anon260176
Post 8 |
Everything said above is true. The last four years of my life have been a nightmare. I purchased a CNC router for my workshop, and although it was not intended for this purpose, I began experimenting with making MDF radiator cabinets, among other things. After about one year of working with it, I developed an allergy to anything MDF related. My symptoms include going to bed really tired, and sleeping for maybe two hours, then waking with my heart pumping hard, and heavy sweating. I get up with my brain going at a million miles per hour, then can't go back to bed, and come work time, I'm totally done in. I also have a really lethargic and generally unwell feeling all day. It also seems to affect my whole system, with bowel movements becoming weirdly different, and really bad wheezing asthma-like symptoms. It all eases off after a couple of days of exposure, and I return to normal after one week. Now I cannot even go into the same workshop and breathe for even one second, or it happens all over again. I've been to the doctor, and on to the consultant, who on my initial consultation, stated “stop working with it “. At the time I felt he was being very harsh, and should be trying to find a solution for me because it is my livelihood. After all, if something in a hospital troubled him, and his doctor said the same, well, you know what I mean. After loads of tests and inhalers, etc., he has now said there is nothing he can do. I am suffering from extreme chemical sensitivity. But you know what? His first advice was the best: stay away from the stuff. I moved on to a different career, but still have to be very careful. Anyway, I have now rented out these premises, and never go inside them. If I am in a home store, and near where the MDF is stored, I'm off again. So everyone out there beware of this stuff. The older nurse treating me said that in another 10 years or so, MDF related problems are going to be huge, as she is now seeing more and more people coming in with problems relating to working with it. |
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anon245581
Post 7 |
I worked as a design consultant for a large company. They had a refit outside my open door office and the area was about 400 square meters and lots of MDF boards were used to make partitions. When I returned to work after a two week holiday (I took holidays because I was informed that a lot of noise and disruption would occur), the whole area was covered in M.D.F. dust. I was given a dustpan and brush and a henry hoover and asked to clean it up. It took me five days to clear the worst. Shortly after starting the clean up, I developed flu- like symptoms, and took medication to combat this. The cleaning was never-ending because dust kept falling from the rafters and after six weeks of exposure I became so ill I had to go to the doctor. He put me on a nebuliser and sent me for lots of tests. I have been diagnosed with asthma, an inactive thyroid gland and a nasty facial rash. I used to be an active person who jogged and cycled, but those days are gone. I now know the dangers of mdf dust, although a link to my illness and mdf dust is still to be proven. I was always fit and had an excellent health record. My advice is stay away from the dust. After all, we all thought asbestos was safe not so long ago. |
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anon241104
Post 6 |
anon113853, contact OSHA anonymously and describe your environment. My guess is that the situation will be rectified by management. It doesn't sound good at all. Take care of yourself, permanent disabilities are not fun to live with. Good luck. |
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anon234989
Post 5 |
Thanks for the information on MDF health risks during the making of it, and when cutting. I have ordered kitchen cabinets made of MDF and I'm very concerned if it's safe. Would you know? |
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anon146305
Post 2 |
Our local library is having work done and is still open to the public. The work involves using MDF and when you enter, you can see all the dust on shelves and in the air. Is this not good for public and staff alike? |
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anon113853
Post 1 |
I work in a factory where we have a machine insulated with MDF. This machine heats up to temperatures over 100 degrees and emits a very nasty smell. Since this machine has been installed I have suffered several severe chest infections and am of the opinion that this machine is to blame. Does anyone know of any research that has been done on the effects of this material being heated to such levels? |
