Is MDF Toxic and Can It Harm Your Health?

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James Miller
By 
James is an environmentalist, sustainability expert and senior editor at TheRoundup, specializing in testing non-toxic, organic and eco-friendly products. James, his wife and two daughters believe in chemical-free and zero-waste living. They aim to leave the planet in a better state than we found it, for future generations to enjoy.
James Miller
Updated: November 23, 2023

Living a healthier lifestyle can seem daunting at times, especially when choosing the best non-toxic furniture for your home.

As an eco-conscious consumer, you've probably heard of Medium Density Fibreboard (MDF).

This type of wood product is lauded for its versatility and affordability, making it an attractive option for many builders and designers.

But is MDF Toxic? Or is it safe to use around your home?

In this article, I take a closer look at the truth behind MDF and its toxicity and discuss whether or not using it in your home can help create a safe and sustainable environment.

By the end of this page, you'll be armed with all the information you need to make an informed MDF decision that's both ethically and environmentally sound!

What is MDF?

factories manufacturing MDF and chipboard

Medium-density fiberboard (MDF) is an engineered wood material made from wood waste and recycled fibers. It's generally denser and heavier than most particleboards but not as strong as plywood.

It's created by pressing the wood fibers with high heat and pressure, binding them into a solid sheet of board material. This makes it ideal for furniture, cabinetry, shelving, flooring, and moldings.

The Toxicity of MDF

The wood elements of MDF are not overly toxic.

However, when it comes to MDF furniture and cabinetry, the most common sources of formaldehyde and phenol-formaldehyde resins are the glues used during production.

At high levels, these adhesives can lead to furniture off-gassing that can linger in your home for months or even years.

Formaldehyde is a known carcinogen, which can cause cancer if exposed to high levels over time.

Phenol-formaldehyde, on the other hand, can irritate the skin, eyes, and respiratory systems.

The good news is that some MDF manufacturers have begun to use formaldehyde-free glues in their production processes.

So, if you're looking for an eco-friendly and non-toxic MDF option, be sure to ask about the type of glue used before purchasing.

Risks to the Environment and Workers

MDF can claim to be an environmentally-friendly material because it uses recycled fibers, but the production process can still cause harm.

In particular, the formaldehyde and phenol-formaldehyde glues used are highly flammable and can release toxic fumes when burned. This makes them a potential risk to workers and nearby communities.

Manufacturing MDF also requires the use of large amounts of energy, which can harm air, water, and soil quality if not properly regulated.

MDF boards and carpenter fitting MDF cabinet

Comparing MDF to Other Wood-Based Products

MDF is usually more affordable than other wood-based alternatives (such as hardwood and softwood).

However, it's also often less durable and may need to be replaced sooner if exposed to moisture or heat.

Solid hardwood and softwood items are generally more expensive than MDF, but contain no toxic glue.

Three products are similar to MDF that people often mix up.

Laminated Board

MDF products can have a laminate finish, but laminated boards are actually made up of thin layers of wood board or wood chips bonded together with resins.

These boards are then covered with a plastic layer on one or both sides for protection.

Particleboard

This type of board is made of low-density wood chips glued together with synthetic resins, similar to MDF.

It's often covered with veneer for aesthetics, with its main advantage being its affordability.

Fiberboard

Fiberboard is usually used as a catchall term for products like particleboard and MDF.

Formaldehyde-Free Glues and Resins

Some of the more popular glues being used to produce non-toxic MDF (and other engineered wood products) include:

  • Soy-Based Adhesives: Made from soy flour, a renewable resource that's low in toxicity
  • Polyurethane Solvent-Free Adhesives: Offer high bond strength and flexibility without containing any solvents like formaldehyde
  • Polyvinyl Acetate (PVA) Glue: An emulsion-based adhesive that's free of formaldehyde and ideal for small woodworking projects
  • Phenol Formaldehyde-Fee Adhesives: A good choice for high-stress areas that require a strong bond, such as door and window frames
  • Starch-Based Adhesives: Made from corn, potato, or wheat starch, it has a low toxicity while being easy to manufacture
  • Epoxy Adhesive: Can work on a wide range of surfaces due to its high bonding strength (some, but not all, epoxy formulations are formaldehyde-free)
  • Polysiloxanes: A type of silicone adhesive that's free from formaldehyde and has wide-ranging applications
  • Wood Flour Lignin Adhesives: Made from natural wood waste that is converted into fine particles and mixed with a natural binding agent, creating a formaldehyde-free adhesive

MDF Alternatives

Fortunately, there are plenty of viable options out there that are eco-friendly, cost-effective, and readily available.

Bamboo Plywood

Bamboo plywood is a renewable and eco-friendly alternative to MDF.

It's made from compressed bamboo fibers using non-toxic adhesive resins to create panels.

Bamboo plywood is stronger, more durable, and more water-resistant than MDF. However, it's slightly more expensive, and its limited availability can make it harder to source.

Wheatboard

Wheatboard is made from straw waste, making it a sustainable and readily available option.

It's formaldehyde-free and VOC-free, making it environmentally friendly and safe for indoor use.

Wheatboard is also affordable and easy to work with but susceptible to moisture damage.

Cork

Cork is an eco-friendly and sustainable alternative to MDF.

It's made from the bark of cork trees, and its unique properties make it perfect for use in flooring, wall tiles, and furniture.

Cork is renewable, biodegradable, and non-toxic. However, it's not as durable or strong as other wood-based products.

Recycled Plastic Lumber

Recycled plastic lumber is a durable and eco-friendly alternative to wood-based products like MDF.

It's made from recycled plastic, making it a sustainable choice.

Wood-colored plastics are also waterproof, insect-proof, and mold-resistant. However, they're often more expensive than MDF.

Medex

Medex MDF panels have high strength and MR50 moisture resistance (with no added formaldehyde).

Sugar Cane Bagasse Board

Sugar cane bagasse board is made from the waste product of  the sugar cane juice extraction industry.

It's a sustainable and eco-friendly option that's biodegradable and renewable, but it's usually only available in limited quantities.

Homasote

Homasote is a durable and eco-friendly option made from recycled paper waste that's been compressed and bonded with a natural resin.

It's an affordable product that's easy to work with. However, it's not as strong as other wood-based products and can be easily damaged.

Plywood

Plywood is a cost-effective and readily available alternative to MDF.

It's made from thin layers of wood veneer glued together to create a strong and durable panel.

You must be mindful of the glue used to ensure your plywood is formaldehyde-free.

Solid Wood

Solid wood is a traditional and sustainable alternative to MDF. It's made from natural wood, making it renewable and sustainable (when sourced from responsible forests, such as those managed by the Forest Stewardship Council).

Solid wood is durable, strong, easy to work with, and ideal for non-toxic bedroom furniture.

However, it's more expensive than MDF and can be prone to warping and cracking if not cared for properly.

Rice Straw MDF

Rice straw MDF is made from leftover rice straw fibers, an agricultural waste product.

This material is naturally resistant to mold and can be used in a wide range of applications (from furniture and kitchen cabinets to window frames and flooring).

Evertree MDF

After spending several years researching, Evertree has successfully created a high-performance, plant-based resin that is safe and can be produced on a large scale.

Evertree has used its innovative adhesive solution to create environmentally responsible MDF panels bonded with a plant-based resin.

Nu Green 2

Uniboard now offers NU Green 2 (a ULEF raw particleboard) as part of their product range.

NU Green 2 is both low-emitting and eco-friendly and is the most affordable board of its kind on the market.

It's FSC certified and made entirely from pre-consumer recycled or recovered wood fiber, helping to prevent deforestation and reduce waste in landfills.

Pros and Cons of MDF

MDF Pros

  • Cost-Effective: MDF is cheaper than solid wood or other materials. It can help keep the costs of your project lower without sacrificing quality.
  • Versatile Design: MDF can be cut and molded into various shapes and sizes, making it a versatile material that you can use for a wide range of projects. It's an excellent choice for intricate designs that require delicate curves or cutouts.
  • Consistent Quality: Compared to natural wood, MDF has a more consistent texture and density, ensuring the material has a uniform thickness and strength.
  • Smooth Finishing: MDF has a smooth surface perfect for paints, stains, wood sealants, or adding laminates or veneers to create a professional and polished look.
  • Sustainable: MDF is made from recycled wood fibers and is considered by some to be more environmentally friendly than traditional wood products because it uses fewer trees.

MDF Cons

  • Health Concerns: MDF contains formaldehyde, which can release toxic fumes if not appropriately handled. Safety equipment like goggles, masks, and gloves should be worn during production or cutting.
  • Less Durability: Compared to solid wood furniture, MDF furniture has less strength and durability, and it tends to crack, split, or dent more readily when subjected to pressure.
  • Limited Load-Bearing Capacity: MDF furniture is not designed to bear heavy loads or stress. It's not ideal for constructing advanced structures like shelving or cabinets, which usually require more robust materials to handle the weight.
  • Not Ideal for Outdoor Use: MDF should not be used for outdoor applications as it could warp, swell, or rot when it comes in contact with moisture or humidity.
  • Lower Resale Value: Compared to products made of natural wood or other high-end materials, MDF furniture has a lower resale value due to its lower-quality construction.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Health Regulations Are in Place for Formaldehyde Fumes at Work?

The Occupational Safety and Health Standards Board has set a Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) of 0.75ppm for formaldehyde at work.

Should I Throw out My Old MDF Furniture?

If the MDF furniture in your home is certified to be within permissible toxin levels, then there's no urgency to dispose of it.

Also, the longer you've had the MDF, the more likely it is that most of the off-gassing has already occurred.

When you dispose of your MDF furniture, ensure you recycle or donate it responsibly and don't just toss it in the trash.

How Can I Reduce Formaldehyde Levels in My Home?

Buying natural furniture, not smoking indoors, and getting plenty of fresh air into your house will all reduce indoor air pollutants.

An eco-friendly air purifier will also help boost your air quality (I LOVE my Briiv!).

In Which Countries Is MDF Board Banned?

The UK's Health and Safety Executive (HSE) reports that MDF is not banned anywhere in the world.

Which Fibers Are Commonly Used in MDF?

Some of the commonly used fibers in MDF include:

  • Hardwood sawdust
  • Softwood sawdust
  • Wheat straw
  • Rice straw

Is MDI Glue Better than Formaldehyde Glue for Wood Furniture?

Methylene Diphenyl Diisocyanate (MDI) glue is being marketed as a safer alternative to formaldehyde glue. However, in some cases, it can lead to the same adverse reactions (skin, eyes, and breathing irritation).

Is MDF Dust as Bad as Asbestos?

MDF wood dust is not believed to be as toxic or dangerous as asbestos.

However, breathing in MDF is not great for your health, so taking precautions when sanding, cutting, and drilling is essential. Wearing a mask and goggles is a must!

What is Urea Formaldehyde Resin?

Urea Formaldehyde is one of the most common adhesives used in engineered wood products. According to Britannica, urea-formaldehyde resin is "any of a class of synthetic resins obtained by chemical combination of urea (a solid crystal obtained from ammonia) and formaldehyde (a highly reactive gas obtained from methane)."

The Final Word

So, should you be worried about the potential health risks of MDF boards and furniture?

Yes and no.

MDF is considered toxic if it's been bonded using glue containing formaldehyde.

However, formaldehyde is everywhere, and low level exposure is not considered harmful by the World Health Organisation.

Providing the MDF you buy is labeled as CARB ATCM Phase II or TSCA Title VI compliant, you can be sure it's been tested and the formaldehyde emissions are below a permissible level.

But why settle for low-toxic when you can choose non-toxic?

Personally, I'd always choose solid wood over MDF whenever possible.

Yes, I know there's an additional cost involved (sustainable products are more expensive in general), but I'd rather wait and save up to get a more sustainable and non-toxic product.

Get In Touch

Are you sensitive to formaldehyde? Do you have MDF furniture in your home? Or do you avoid it at all costs and prefer solid wood furniture?  Drop me a line and let me know.

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James Miller
James Miller
James is an environmentalist, sustainability expert and senior editor at TheRoundup, specializing in testing non-toxic, organic and eco-friendly products. James, his wife and two daughters believe in chemical-free and zero-waste living. They aim to leave the planet in a better state than we found it, for future generations to enjoy.
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