JEREMIAH SUNGA QUEDDENG

CENTER FOR THE DESIGNED ENVIRONMENT PROFESSIONS

+WOOD PRODUCT ADHESIVES

Formaldehyde – an organic compound with many natural sources, including, in small amounts, wood
itself. It is an ingredient in some adhesives and binders used in manufacture of wood products. It is
also a recognized carcinogen that, in high concentrations, can cause range of adverse effects in
humans.

Phenol-formaldehyde (PF) – a structural adhesive, rated for full exterior exposure, used in
production of exterior rated panels and other wood products. Formaldehyde gas emissions from PF
after manufacture are low; below the exposure limits established by prevailing air quality and health
standards. Though rated for exterior exposure, panels manufacture with PF are sometimes also
specified for interior use, because of their relatively low emissions

Urea-formaldehyde (UF) – a structural wood adhesive with less moisture resistance, rated for
interior (dry) exposure only. Due to lower manufacturing costs and other advantages associated with
its use, UF resin has been a popular choice in manufacture of interior plywood, MDF, chipboards,
particleboards, engineered wood floorings and other wood products. However, UF can continue to
release high concentrations of formaldehyde gas long after manufacturing is complete and the
products have been put into service. Their emissions can adversely affect indoor air quality and
occupant health

Melamine-formaldehyde (MF) – emission levels fall somewhere between UF and PF

+Alternatives are described as No Added Formaldehyde (NAF), examples include urethanes,

polyvinyl acetate, bio-based formulations

+JEREMIAH SUNGA QUEDDENG

CENTER FOR THE DESIGNED ENVIRONMENT PROFESSIONS