Low-VOC MDF: A Healthier Option for Your Home and Office
When we think of health in our homes and workplaces, it is easy for us to think about the quality of air, lighting and even our choice of furniture, but some important details can be overlooked. One of these details are the materials and specifically the health impact of the materials we use in the making of furniture.
One of the most frequently used material in our interiors today is MDF or Medium Density Fibreboard. While standard MDF has its benefits, we now have a safer, better alternative called Low VOC MDF.
In this article, we will discuss what Low‑VOC MDF is, why it matters and how it can make your home or office healthier.
What is MDF and How is it Used?
MDF, which stands for Medium Density Fibreboard, is an engineered wood product made from agro wood fibres, wax and resin. MDF is affordable, smooth, easy to work with and thus widely used in furniture, kitchen cabinets, wall panelling and interior décor. Unlike solid wood, MDF is cheaper, easily available, has a uniform finish and does not have knots or variances in grain.
MDF has become the material of choice for manufacturers of:
- Office furniture
- Shelving units (i.e. bookcases)
- Wardrobes
- Wall panels
- Cabinet doors (i.e. kitchen)
- Decorative items
However, not all MDF is equal, especially for indoor air quality.
What Are VOCs and Why Should You Care?
VOC stands for Volatile Organic Compounds. These compounds are chemicals that can readily become gases or vapours at room temperature. In construction and furniture materials, VOCs are often emitted from adhesives, resins and various coatings that are used in production.
The main VOC of concern in MDF is formaldehyde, which is the chemical used in the adhesive that binds the wood fibres together. Traditional MDF emits formaldehyde into the air, a phenomenon called off gassing.
Exposure to VOCs such as formaldehyde can cause many undesirable effects.
Now, consider working or living in a space where furniture is continuously desorbing and releasing those compounds as VOCs into the air. Low-VOC MDF is the solution.
What is Low VOC MDF?
Low-VOC MDF is a type of MDF that uses resins and adhesives that emit little to no formaldehyde. Low-VOC MDF conforms to the highest indoor air quality safety standards and is perfect for anyone looking to create a healthier home or office.
Some of the features of Low-VOC MDF include:
- Low or no formaldehyde emissions
- Certified by recognized international standards such as CARB II, EPA TSCA Title VI or E0 or E1 ratings
- Safer for indoor use, especially in a confined space
- Same durability and smooth finish as regular MDF.
Benefits of Using Low‑VOC MDF
- Better Indoor Air Quality
Selecting Low-VOC MDF means you have reduced the amount of harmful gases in your home or office. It means you will have cleaner, safer air for your family, co-workers and clients.
- More Considerate for Children and the Elderly
Children, the elderly and people with asthma or allergies are more sensitive to VOCs, so low-emission materials will keep them safe from harmful fumes and irritants.
- Environmentally Safe and Sustainable
Low-VOC MDF manufacturers produce it using agro wood fibres and other sustainable practices. In addition to protecting human health, you are making a much more environmentally mindful decision.
- More Suitable for Workplaces and Commercial Interiors
Indoor air quality impacts productivity and wellbeing, while in offices and public areas, people tend to spend significant periods indoors, so low-emission Formaldehyde MDF enables businesses to meet green building certifications and create a workplace that is safer for employees.
- Adherence to recognized health standards
Below are the strict global health standards that most Low-VOC MDF products comply with or exceed:
- California Air Resources Board (CARB) Phase II
- EPA TSCA Title VI
- E0 or E1 formaldehyde emission standards in Europe
- Green Guard and LEED certifications
Where Can You Use Low-VOC MDF?
Low-VOC MDF is suitable for any application where standard MDF is used, with a few of the most common ones including:
- Modular kitchens, including cabinets, shelves and drawers
- Living room furniture, such as television units, coffee tables and bookcases
- Bedrooms, including wardrobes, dressing tables and headboards
- Office interiors, including workstations, partitions and wall panels
- Retail spaces, including display racks, counters and storage
- Children’s furniture, including study tables, storage pieces and play features
Selecting the Correct Low-VOC MDF Product
When purchasing MDF and particularly if you are specifying it for residential or commercial interiors, always ask your supplier about:
- VOC certifications (e.g. CARB II, E1, E0)
- Where the materials are sourced and whether they are from recycled or sustainably harvested sources
- Resin technology used in making the board and whether it is free from formaldehyde
- Third-party testing reports that back up their claims
Myths about Low-VOC MDF
- It's not as robust as regular MDF.
This is false. Low-VOC MDF matches the mechanical strength and performance attributes of traditional MDF.
- It's too expensive.
While it's slightly more so than traditional MDF, consider the long‑term health and safety benefits of improved indoor air quality.
- It's hard to find.
The market is rapidly overflowing with new products, making Low-VOC products a better option for the growing demand for green and healthy interiors.
What's the Bottom Line? Is Low-VOC MDF Where You Want to Be?
Absolutely. Your home and your workplace should be safe, clean and healthy. Low-VOC MDF gives you the same beauty and versatility as regular MDF, but much healthier for you and the environment. If you are undertaking the renovation of a home, establishing a new office or building furniture for your family, making the investment in Low-VOC MDF makes responsible sense today and into the future.
You are investing in better design and sustainability, but you are also creating a healthier place for everyone who enters!
Breathe Better. Live Better. Choose Low-VOC MDF.