The Effect of Particle Board on Asthma

Asthmatics have long heard warnings to avoid particle board, because particle board may trigger an asthma attack. The particle board itself is not a problem. Rather, the chemicals used as adhesive in the particle board may trigger an asthma attack. The chemicals in question are volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and the specific VOC in particle board is formaldehyde.

Uses

• Particle board and other pressed wood materials are used as building and furniture materials throughout office buildings and homes. For example, subflooring, cabinets and furniture may include particle board. Decorative panel wall coverings, drawer fronts and furniture tops also commonly use particle board.

Exposure

• A common way to be exposed to increased levels of VOCs is during home remodeling, or through new furniture or flooring. When VOC-triggered asthma occurs on the job, it is called occupational asthma. Carpentry jobs and other manufacturing and construction jobs may expose workers to higher-than-normal levels of VOCs, increasing potential exposure and risk of developing occupational asthma.

Symptoms

• Exposure to particle board and other materials with high levels of VOCs can cause general asthma symptoms, such as coughing, wheezing, difficulty breathing and respiratory irritation. Long-term exposure, or exposure to high levels of VOCs, can also cause fatigue, skin rash and allergic reactions.

Avoidance

• The best way to reduce the risk of VOC-triggered asthma is to avoid exposure. Over time, pressed wood products, such as particle board, emit lower levels of VOCs, which means new products and new installation of products can cause the highest levels. If you have asthma, therefore, take special precaution to avoid VOC particles when you are remodeling your home or have to be around new construction. For example, if you are remodeling your home, block off the area being remodeled with thick plastic sheeting to keep VOC particles from getting into the rest of the house. Keep the area well ventilated, and let the area air out for several weeks after the project itself is complete. Also, use protective clothing and goggles, which you only put on and take off inside the remodel area. Another good way to avoid exposure is to use formaldehyde-free products for cabinets, flooring, furniture and walls.

Recognizing

• Formaldehyde is not the only VOC found in particle board and other pressed board materials used in homes and office buildings. Other common types of VOCs include aldehyde, benzene, xylene, toluene, trichloroethane, chlorobenzene and polychlorinated biphenyls. Read product and material labels carefully to help limit exposure to all VOCs.