MDF - is it safe?

[Frayedknot]

We have just had three carpenters come in and quote for wardrobes and all of them want to use MDF somewhere in the construction. One suggested we have the entire thing, including doors, in MDF.

I am a bit concerned especially as it is in our bedroom.

Opinions welcome - but please don't let it start an argument

I think you have to make sure you don't breath in the dust particles from it.....the Changing Rooms team seem to be OK, after all!

Message withdrawn

MDF is fine - it's just if you are sawing it up & making lots of dust you should avoid breathing in the dust particles.

Are they swinging it around like mad-axe murderers? That would be quite dangerous.

No it doesn't 'realease' carcinogenic chemicals - it is made with formaldehyde which is quite nasty - but the problem is when you breathe in the dust as thats how the chemical can enter the body - along with the dust. thats why when cutting MDF a dust mask shoudl be worn.

Once its built your wardrobe should be fine.

It is recommended to paint or varnish it when finished to help seal the surface.

Yes - I think I read somewhere it continues to release formaldehyde even when you are not working with it, but I don't know if it's actually true.

It would be quite a big expanse of it and breathing the air in our bedroom for 8 hours a night, etc etc.

I'm being paranoid aren't I?!

Its the dust that the main concern :-

heres a link if you really want to read it all !

Hmm thanks Whizzz, although at this time on a Saturday night it's made me go a bit blurry-eyed - I'll have a proper look tomorrow