Is it true that M D F sheets used for building are banned in U S.?

Question

because of the health hazard you get when cutting it ,if so why do we still use it in the UK?

Answer 1

Research has shown that the fumes given off during the cutting of MDF are carcinogenic, however that same research concluded that unless you inhaled the fumes 24 hours a day, seven days a week from about 70 years the risk was minimal.
It is still used in the UK because there is no appreciable risk, if it is banned in the US it's just the fear of a law suit!!!

Answer 2

Rumours that medium density fibre board (MDF) is banned in the USA are untrue. Emissions of formaldehyde from board products are, however, regulated in the USA and Germany, and are expected to be regulated throughout the European Community (EC) in the future.

Formaldehyde emissions at work in the UK are controlled by standards set in the Control Of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations (see factsheet Daily Hazard No. 24) and the occupational exposure standards set out in HSE Guidance note EH40.

In the UK, board manufacturers are advertising low formaldehyde or zero formaldehyde emission boards made to the stringent German "E1" standard. This appears to be because manufacturers feel the EC is very likely to adopt this standard in the future.

Some boards are finished with laminated plastic sheet (melamine), foil (PVC) or wood veneer. Boards may be treated with flame retardant chemicals.

Answer 3

I heard the same.

I avoid using MDF because most in the trade thinks it's the next asbestos material. When you cut it, tiny fibres float about. That just can't be good for you.

Avoid any tradesman or house builder that uses MDF.

Answer 4

i believe that's true ..i use it all the time and if you are cutting it with a handsaw..that's fine .but if you are using power tools then you must use a breathing mask ..as the dust is very fine and will get on your lungs

Answer 5

Are you mistaking MDF for Asbestos? There is nothing wrong with MDF. Its only compressed cardboard at the end of the day

Answer 6

I would not use any MDF for building purposes. When it gets water on it, it swells, and you cannot correct that.

Answer 7

we use them. i bought some at the hardware store a few weeks ago. they are great to use for shelving

Answer 8

No they use it all the time, I've the finish carpentry books to prove it

Answer 9

your right,i did a health and safety course just before december and it is banned over there,causes cancer so they say,we in uk take longer implerment,avoid if you can.