Composite Wood – the most prevalent pollutant in your home

Composite wood products.

While formaldehyde is commonly found in cleaning products, carpets, drapery, and insulation, it is its prevalence in composite wood products that make it the king of indoor air pollution. Today’s construction and home goods manufacturing industries rely on the mass production of plywood panels, and composite wood products – such as medium-density fibreboard (MDF) or particleboard. Urea formaldehyde and phenol formaldehyde glues, also known as plastic resin glue, are extensively used in hardwood plywood panel production as well as engineered composite wood products, such as MDF or particleboard. While formaldehyde is commonly found in cleaning products, carpets, drapery, and insulation, it is its prevalence in composite wood products that make it the king of indoor air pollution.

Kitchen and bathroom cabinets (even high-end ones), children's furniture - even cribs and bed frames, 'wooden' furniture, some 'wood' toys, shelving units, and flooring are all commonly made of composite wood products. Higher-end options are typically made from plywood, while less expensive options are typically made from MDF or pressboard.