Formaldehyde-free Interior-grade MDF

Builders concerned about out-gassing of formaldehyde from medium-density fiberboard (MDF) have long used Medex in cabinets. This exterior-grade product, originally developed for highway signs, is considerably more expensive than conventional MDF or particleboard, however. Now Medite II fills the need for a lower-cost product for interior applications. Like the original Medex, Medite II is produced using a polyurea resin matrix adhesive rather than urea-formaldehyde or phenol-formaldehyde, so there is almost no formaldehyde out-gassing. Measured formaldehyde levels from Medite II and Medex are .04 ppm (based on standard testing procedures), well below the HUD standard of .3 ppm, according to Jeff Baker of the Medite Corporation. The formaldehyde that is in the product, he says, is limited to natural formaldehydes that were contained in the wood prior to manufacture.

Along with use by architects and builders concerned about indoor health issues, the product is widely used in art galleries and museums, where formaldehyde out-gassing from conventional MDF can apparently damage exhibits. Pricing of Medite II is slightly more than conventional medium-density fiberboard, with costs in the range of 80-95¢/ft