We know MDF has issues. But it’s important to fully explore the pros and cons of different materials before dismissing them. It’s also frequently used very badly. It really is cheap, so it’s used wastefully. It usually doesn’t look good, especially when it’s been laser cut. But it is not MDF per se that is the problem. It’s how we use it. Think before you act!There are some positive things about MDF too. Here are SIX:
FAST FACTS
1. It's provocative. It makes you think.
2. It’s the victim of fake news.
3. It’s a useful product from waste material.
4. It replaces other, more valuable materials.
5. It’s stable, rigid, and easily machinable.
6. It’s cheap. It’s equitable.
IT'S PROVOCATIVE. IT MAKES YOU THINK.
Why would anyone who cares about the environment love MDF? It’s usually painted as a villain - a purveyor of formaldehyde, and cause of cancer. But not everything you hear about MDF is true (see the next point). The advantages perhaps outweigh any disadvantages. More importantly MDF provides a useful provocation to think about what materials really are a problem, and what aren’t. And thinking the matter through and doing the necessary research is always better than dismissing things without understanding them thoroughly. The case of MDF makes you think, and that’s a good thing.
IT'S THE VICTIM OF FAKE NEWS.
The main concern regarding the health risks of MDF is the use of urea-formaldehyde adhesives as the bonding agent during the creation of the panels. Formaldehyde has been thought to have cancer risks. However, studies linking cancer to formaldehyde have not been conclusive. In fact, formaldehyde is naturally produced by plants, humans, and animals as part of the metabolic process. Most companies now have moved on from using ure-formaldehyde based adhesives and use low formaldehyde alternatives.
The same type of adhesive is used in plywood, OSB, CLT and other engineered timber products, however they don't seem to get such a bad reputation. VOCs from synthetic paints and interior finishings is a much larger health and environment hazard than MDF.
A secondary health concern regarding MDF is the dust created during production. While MDF dust can cause nose and eye irritation, this is also true for every other dust. Effective ventilation systems and proper use of dust masks can eliminate the negative side effects from MDF dust. MDF dust is not inherently more dangerous than any other dust.
IT'S A USEFUL PRODUCT FROM WASTE MATERIALS
MDF is constructed primarily from wood fiber, many wood shavings and other portions of the wood that might normally be discarded can instead be recycled into MDF production. This both reduces waste and also means a higher percentage of trees harvested are used to create valuable products, putting less strain on our forests and creating sustainable construction practices for years to come. It also means that MDF has relatively high sequestered carbon amount.
Sadly MDF can’t currently be recycled, but technologies are being developed that will allow it to be recycled.
IT REPLACES OTHER, MORE VALUABLE MATERIALS
Why would anyone who cares about the environment love MDF? It’s usually painted as a villain - a purveyor of formaldehyde, and cause of cancer. But not everything you hear about MDF is true (see the next point). The advantages perhaps outweigh any disadvantages. More importantly MDF provides a useful provocation to think about what materials really are a problem, and what aren’t. And thinking the matter through and doing the necessary research is always better than dismissing things without understanding them thoroughly. The case of MDF makes you think, and that’s a good thing.
IT'S STABLE, RIGID AND EASILY MACHINABLE
Why would anyone who cares about the environment love MDF? It’s usually painted as a villain - a purveyor of formaldehyde, and cause of cancer. But not everything you hear about MDF is true (see the next point). The advantages perhaps outweigh any disadvantages. More importantly MDF provides a useful provocation to think about what materials really are a problem, and what aren’t. And thinking the matter through and doing the necessary research is always better than dismissing things without understanding them thoroughly. The case of MDF makes you think, and that’s a good thing.
IT'S CHEAP, IT'S EQUITABLE
Why would anyone who cares about the environment love MDF? It’s usually painted as a villain - a purveyor of formaldehyde, and cause of cancer. But not everything you hear about MDF is true (see the next point). The advantages perhaps outweigh any disadvantages. More importantly MDF provides a useful provocation to think about what materials really are a problem, and what aren’t. And thinking the matter through and doing the necessary research is always better than dismissing things without understanding them thoroughly. The case of MDF makes you think, and that’s a good thing.
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