Finding Formaldehyde Free Cabinetry
Renovators Place Columnist
Oct 08, 2009
You may already think of some good reasons to consider new kitchen cabinets (better style, more usable), and now there's another. Recent talk of formaldehyde in cabinets has many homeowners searching for a different solution.
Most manufactured kitchen cabinets are constructed with a particle board base which consists of cellulose that's been reconstituted with urea formaldehyde resin. Formaldehyde is one of the most common indoor pollutants -- it is known as a sensitizer, a chemical that can make an exposed person more sensitive to other chemicals. It's also known to be carcinogenic in larger doses.
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About the Author
Ellen Foster is a freelance writer and teacher. She has taught students aged five to forty-five.
Talk to Your Cabinet Contractor about Formaldehyde-Free Cabinets
It's certainly not impossible to avoid formaldehyde in your kitchen cabinets -- awareness is more than half the battle. You can discuss alternatives with your kitchen cabinet contractor. For example, solid wood cabinets with low-VOC finishes should be formaldehyde free. If you can't afford solid wood, ask your cabinet contractor about PrimeBoard, a particle board made of wheat straw. If you're looking for a more edgy or modern look, consider installing metal cabinets.Assessing Your Current Kitchen Cabinets
As a rule of thumb, cabinets made from particle board have significantly more formaldehyde than those made of interior grade plywood. Exterior grade plywood is an even better option. Chipboard, medium-density fiberboard, waferboard, and sealed Masonite contain fewer volatile chemicals than particle board. You should also know that particle board emits more gas when it is heated (exposed to sunlight or in proximity to kitchen heating elements), but you can help seal in these chemicals by covering the particle board with aluminum foil. Suffice it to say, if you've got a kitchen full of "aluminum foil cabinets," it is probably time to call your kitchen cabinet contractor.Source
About the Author
Ellen Foster is a freelance writer and teacher. She has taught students aged five to forty-five.
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