In part one, we began this series that takes a look at the recent developments concerning substituting/minimizing off-gassing from formaldehyde-based binders (adhesives) used for composite wood panel products. Known as non-added formaldehyde alternatives, research and development in this field is starting to pay off with a new generation of soy-based binders and substitution of phenol formaldehyde for urea formaldehyde binders for composite wood fiber panels used in architectural millwork as a means to lessen the effects of formaldehyde off-gassing into the interior environment. We also saw the mixed results when agricultural fibers were used as a stand-in for wood fibers. This month, we'll take a look at the problem of indoor air pollution and a new product that seeks to reduce the carcinogenic effects of formaldehyde.
Because of its ability to bond much more tightly to the wood fibers found in products, such as medium density fiberboard and particleboard, when used as a binder PF will off-gas much less than its cousin UF-the standard binder used for interior grade wood panel building products. That's good news for the interior environment where wood panel products are widely used and where pollution levels can be up to 10 times higher than the outdoor air and at concentrations up to 100 times greater. A recent government study revealed that fully 50 percent of all disease is directly attributable to interior pollution.