According to National Geographic’s Gree Guide, “Pressed woods—particleboard, medium-density fiberboard and some plywood—contain, and release, vapors of formaldehyde, a volatile organic compound (VOC) classified by the EPA as a probable human carcinogen.”
Ouch. Considering that many furniture items in our home have at least some particle board, medium density fiberboard (MDF) or plywood, I am concerned, both for the environment and for the health of my family.
But what can you do if you are concerned about particleboard. After all, particleboard is inexpensive and easy to use. Few of us can afford higher end furniture, such as all solid wood bookcases, entertainment centers, pantries, etc.
I did some thinking, and I am going to start replacing and eliminating particleboard in my home in the following way.
Shopping for furniture in antique stores and estate sales. Very often, you can get solid wood furniture at just a fraction of the cost of it new. It may or may not be comparable in price with new furniture that contains particleboard, but getting good basic furniture used is usually more affordable.
Replacing existing particle board with real wood as a do it ourselves project. Often, particleboard is only a small part of a piece, usually the back where no one can see. Getting some formaldehyde-free wood and replacing just those sections is an affordable option that doesn’t require replacing an entire piece.
Opting for pine wood. Pine is an inexpensive wood. You can find pine in all sorts of places. Ikea is known for its affordable pieces made of pine. Pine is a soft wood, so it will dent and scuff more easily than harder woods, but it is still a better option instead of particleboard. Note that some pine pieces may still have particleboard backs, so inspect them carefully.
You can read more blog posts by Mary Ann Romans here!
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