I was helping a friend build a shed and came to the conclusion that raw building material can vary greatly. Particleboard is one of those raw materials that are inexpensive and it’s very abundant in a wide range of products. I also noticed it smells and it got me thinking, is particleboard toxic or safe. After a bit of research, this is what I found.
Yes, components of particleboard are toxic. It is usually made from timber and timber waste. However, the particleboard usually consists of formaldehyde or a similar toxic material. Safer alternatives use polyurethane as filler instead.
Before we go into the details of this chemical, it is essential to understand what particleboard is.
What Is Particleboard?
Particleboard is usually manufactured from timber chips or dual stick chips. It consists of a resin that is used to bind the entire particleboard together. During the manufacturing process, multiple such sheets are pressed together and given a compact form.
There are essentially two reasons why particleboard is considered to be toxic. We will cover both these reasons below.
Why Particleboard Is Toxic
1. Formaldehyde:
To hold the different timber chips together or resin together, particleboard use Formaldehyde. The problem with formaldehyde is that it is toxic. To use the particleboard, the carpenter will have to, of course, cut it. When you cut the particleboard, formaldehyde toxins might get released into the air.
Formaldehyde is a known carcinogen. That is why it can cause cancer. Apart from that as well, it can cause quite a few problems like:
· Headache
· Allergy
· Nausea
It means that if you’re in the vicinity of particleboard being cut, you always have the risk of suffering from any of these elements.
The best way to avoid this is to use a mask whenever a carpenter works on the particleboard. It is also necessary to use a ventilation machine to eliminate toxins from the room as soon as possible.
When working on the particleboard, it is also necessary to work in a well-ventilated area to ensure that the toxic fumes are eliminated right away.
2. Sawdust:
Another reason why particleboard is considered to be toxic is because of sawdust. To hold the timber chips together, such particleboards might use sawdust as well. The problem is that when the particleboards are cut, sawdust will get released into the air as well.
Sawdust can also lead to a lot of problems like:
· Nasal cancer
· Skin problems
· Asthma
· And so on
If you conventionally use the particleboard, you are always at the risk of suffering from these problems. To avoid the same, it is a good idea to use protective equipment like a mask and gloves. Also, you have to always work with the particleboard in a well-ventilated area so that the sawdust blows away rather than coming in contact with you.
These are the two reasons why particleboard is considered to be toxic.
Is Particleboard Recyclable?
Yes, particleboard is recyclable. However, the procedure to recycle the particleboards is a bit different.
We will highlight that below.
1. Removing the harmful chemicals:
The problem with recycling the particleboard is that it consists of paint as well as formaldehyde. As long as these ingredients are present, the particleboard cannot be recycled.
That is why an alternate method for recycling particleboard has evolved.
2. Reducing it down to timber chips:
The method is to reduce it down to timber chips. When particleboard is reduced to timber chips, these timber chips can be recycled into new particleboard. However, this will lead to wastage of approximately 20% of the particleboard.
Compared to not being able to use the particleboard at all, this is a great saving.
Thus, the recycling process of the particleboard is a bit different as compared to recycling other materials. However, they can still be recycled.
What Is Particleboard Used To Make?
The applications of particleboard are quite a few. Some of these applications include:
1. Flooring:
Many times, you need to opt for temporary floors. In that case, you cannot go for marble or any such expensive flooring option. This is where particleboards can come to your rescue. You can easily stack them up to provide stable flooring. Not only that, particleboard is lightweight and therefore is the best temporary flooring option.
2. Furniture:
Particleboards are used in the construction of a variety of furniture pieces. This can include a table, wardrobe and so on.
3. Wall paneling:
Wall panels or wall partitions are required in a variety of structures. However, the material you choose as a wall panel should have thermal insulation and sound insulation. Only then you will be able to get the privacy which you want. Fortunately, when you opt for laminated particle boards, they possess both of these properties. Not only that, the laminated construction means that they can handle the wear and tear pretty well as well. That is why particleboards are often used as wall panels.
4. False ceiling:
Many of you might not know this, but particleboards are used in false ceilings as well. That is because they are very lightweight and they can handle a wide variety of temperatures. Not only that, the excellent thermal insulation which they provide is another reason why they are used in false ceilings.
5. Door core:
Often, the core of the doors is made from particleboards as well. That is because despite being lightweight, they are pretty sturdy.
These are just a handful of applications of particleboard.
Alternatives To Particleboard
In case you’re looking for a particleboard alternative, there are a few which you can go with. These include:
1. MDF:
MDF boards, in many ways, are similar to particleboards. However, they are very affordable. They are available in multiple colors, which ensures that you can directly buy them in the color you want.
These often use recycled wood and therefore are Eco friendly. They do not contract. Not only that, they can handle humidity and temperature changes very well. They are resistant to termites as well.
All these features certainly make them an excellent alternative to particleboard.
2. Solid wood:
Solid wood is undoubtedly more expensive as compared to particleboard. However, it is a good alternative. The reason for the same is because it can handle a lot of weight.
Not only that, the wood grain makes it aesthetically pleasing. The applications of solid wood are endless as well.
3. Reinforced polyurethane foam boards:
If you’re looking for a lightweight option, you can go with them. The advantage of these foam boards is that they provide high insulation. Whether you’re looking for insulation from sound or thermal insulation, they provide all of that and more.
Inside them, you will get fiberglass reinforcement. That is why; you won’t have to worry about the sturdiness of these boards either.
They are waterproof, which ensures that they can handle any weather as well.
These are the three alternatives to particleboards which you can go with.
Wrapping Up Particleboard Toxicity
So, yes, particleboard is toxic due to some of the ingredients present inside it. However, there are precautions that you can use to avoid the toxicity of particleboard. If you’re still not happy with that, we have highlighted a few alternatives as well.