My Dim Foughts

[Birchy]

In Alan Partridge last week, he said that MDF was banned in the U.S.A. Is this true and, if so, why?

[skelly]

It's definitely banned in certain parts of America and I think you'll find similar regulations introduced in the UK soon. MDF is harmless in its normal form, i.e. the way you buy it from B&Q, but it becomes a problem when it is being cut and the dust that comes from it can allegedly be dangerous if inhaled. In most building sites now, MDF has to be cut in a controled area with dust extraction being provided and masks being worn, but obviously there are no restrictions on it's sale for home use. I think that the people in the know may be trying to prevent a public scare the way there was with asbestos, not that I'm inferring that MDF has the same effects as asbestos.

[rogersaurus]

There are supposedly some links between MDF and cancer. I think the dust is believed to be carceogenic. Not sure though.

[Hippy]

The dust can make pre-existing respiritory conditions worse - you should always wear protective goggles and a nose and mouth mask when using power saws on wood.

Perhaps more sinister is the preservative chemicals that may have been used on the wood before it was formed into the chippings and then into the MDF (once just called "chipboard"). In addition, some binding agents (glues) used in the chipboard manufacture are toxic.
The fourth source of nasties is the decorative covering that chipboard sometimes carries. This can be a thin plastic film or a full blown "Formica" like substance. These compounds are more glues and a paper base with the printed pattern.
This nasty soup of dust and chemicals is not the healthiest of diet, and you definitely want to keep them out of your airways and digestion.
Stay safe and live long.