Formaldehyde in plywood is a challenging compound to avoid. Is it harmful to health? It’s essential to understand this to select safe and suitable wood materials for your interior projects. Follow Fiber Wood article below for a comprehensive look at formaldehyde in industrial wood panels
It’s not without reason that many plywood manufacturers consider formaldehyde an important material in the production process. So, what exactly is formaldehyde?
What is formaldehyde?
Formaldehyde is an organic compound belonging to the aldehyde group with the formula H₂CO. Known by other names like formalin, formol, methyl aldehyde, or methanal, it’s a colourless compound with a distinct, pungent odour that easily evaporates into the air
Formaldehyde has various applications and appears in many areas of daily life and production, such as in furniture, household items, construction, textiles, and medical fields. Thus, we often encounter this compound in everyday life
Why is formaldehyde used in plywood?
Plywood and formaldehyde are almost inseparable from each other. Due to its high adhesive qualities, formaldehyde is commonly combined with other chemicals to create specialised wood glues like urea-formaldehyde, melamine-formaldehyde, phenol-formaldehyde, etc
H₂CO’s unique chemical properties also make wood formaldehyde a component that can enhance the hardness of the panel. Furthermore, formaldehyde in plywood helps reduce mould and insect infestation when exposed to humid environments over time
Health hazards of formaldehyde in plywood
Formaldehyde can be seen as a double-edged sword for users. While it is useful in various fields, it also poses potential health dangers to human
In the plywood industry, formaldehyde emission in adhesives at high concentrations can have a serious impact on health. Moreover, studies have shown that the body absorbs this compound over time, leading to cumulative effects if one is exposed for prolonged periods
Eye and skin irritation
The eyes, as a sensitive part of the body, can react if the environment contains formaldehyde emissions above the safety threshold. At low levels, it may cause burning sensations, discomfort in the mucous membranes, or continuous tearing. Vision may suddenly go blur, accompanied by dizziness and discomfort
At higher concentrations, eye irritation becomes more severe, potentially leading to substantial vision loss. This prolonged exposure may result in more serious reactions like retinal artery and vein obstruction, haemorrhage, retinal oedema, optic nerve atrophy, and damage to the visual and nervous systems
Sensitive skin exposed to formaldehyde may develop allergic reactions such as rashes, hives, redness, and persistent itching, significantly impacting human health and quality of life
Respiratory issues and asthma
Formaldehyde in plywood may also increase respiratory irritation risk. Air with high formaldehyde levels can cause throat discomfort, difficulty breathing, dry cough, reduced lung function, and laryngeal swelling
People with pre-existing respiratory conditions are particularly sensitive to airborne formaldehyde. This compound can trigger asthma attacks, worsening respiratory conditions and making them more harmful
Nervous system impact
Inhaling wood formaldehyde over extended periods can cause symptoms like headaches, dizziness, fatigue, and lack of concentration. At higher concentrations, formaldehyde in plywood can harm the central nervous system, leading to insomnia, memory loss, stress, anxiety, and cognitive issues. Prolonged exposure directly affects both mental and physical health
Carcinogenic effects
The World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classify formaldehyde as a human carcinogen. Long-term exposure can increase the risk of cancers, particularly of the nose, throat, and lungs
Effects on fetuses and children
Children and fetuses are particularly vulnerable to formaldehyde emission. Pregnant women exposed to formaldehyde may risk affecting fetal development, while children exposed to it may suffer from respiratory and neurological damage
Standards for the levels of formaldehyde in plywood
Formaldehyde is useful in manufacturing and industry, yet its adverse effects on human health are significant. Therefore, global organizations have worked hard to regulate formaldehyde levels in products to protect consumer safety
Industrial wood panels, being a major material in furniture and directly in contact with users, require strict regulation of formaldehyde in plywood. Here are some international standards assessing plywood safety based on formaldehyde emission levels:
European Standard EN 13986:2004
This European standard controls wood formaldehyde, including formaldehyde in plywood
- E1: Requires formaldehyde emissions ≤ 0.124mg/m³ in the air, measured by EN 717-1. Products meeting this standard have nearly zero emissions and are very safe for health-sensitive environments. European furniture brands are required to meet this quality standard
- E2: Specifies formaldehyde emissions > 0.124mg/m³, measured by EN 717-1. Plywood with this standard is only recommended for outdoor use, as it may affect user health
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European Standards EN 13986:2004
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CARB Standards (California Air Resources Board) - USA
CARB is a standard developed by the California Air Resources Board (USA) that imposes stringent regulations on engineered wood products such as plywood, MDF, and HDF. The CARB standards are divided into two phases: CARB Phase 1 and Phase 2, with Phase 2 being the current and stricter standard
- CARB Phase 1 (CARB P1): Introduced in 2009, it requires formaldehyde emissions in plywood to not exceed 0.08 ppm
- CARB Phase 2 (CARB P2): Effective from 2010, it stipulates that formaldehyde emissions in plywood must be below 0.05 ppm
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CARB Standards
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This standard involves a rigorous testing process that manufacturers must comply with to market their products in the United States
JAS Standards - Japan
Japan has implemented JAS (Japanese Agricultural Standards) to ensure the safety of engineered wood products for consumers
- F****: This is the highest standard in Japan’s formaldehyde emission grading system, with emissions not exceeding 0.005 mg/m²·h, equivalent to the highest standard in Europe
- F***: Emissions range from > 0.005 mg/m²·h to ≤ 0.02 mg/m²·h
- F**: Emissions range from > 0.02 mg/m²·h to ≤ 0.12 mg/m²·h
- F*: Emissions exceed 0.12 mg/m²·h
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JAS Standards
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GB/T 39600-2021 Standards (China)
The GB/T 39600-2021 standard, recently introduced in China, defines formaldehyde emission classifications for plywood in the country:
- ENF Grade: Formaldehyde emissions ≤ 0.025 mg/m³
- E0 Grade: Formaldehyde emissions ≤ 0.050 mg/m³
- E1 Grade: Formaldehyde emissions ≤ 0.124 mg/m³.
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GB/T 39600-2021 Standards
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Is plywood harmful to health?
Formaldehyde is an unavoidable compound found in virtually all plywood products. Whether or not plywood is harmful depends on the type of plywood being used
Plywood with low formaldehyde emissions (called formaldehyde-free plywood) that meets international quality standards is safe for health. On the contrary, low-quality products containing high levels of formaldehyde in adhesives can pose risks to users. Understanding plywood and formaldehyde levels enables you to make informed decisions and select safe plywood products for your projects
As global consumer demand for quality increases, interior products must not only be aesthetically pleasing and durable but also safe to use. Manufacturers should prioritise formaldehyde-free plywood products to meet these demands. Elevating a brand by focusing on user health represents a sustainable growth strategy
Premium quality and formaldehyde-free plywood supplier
Fiber Wood takes pride in being a trusted supplier of safe and high-quality wood materials for your interior projects. Our plywood products are manufactured using E0-grade adhesives, ensuring compliance with international standards such as CARB P2. This makes our materials suitable for high-end interior projects requiring the highest safety standards
With superior production capabilities, Fiber Wood is a reliable source for bulk orders. Contact us for direct support and consultation
This article provides an overview of formaldehyde in plywood. Understanding this compound will help you evaluate and select the right plywood products for your interior projects. Follow Fiber Wood for more useful insights on plywood and its applications
